State Rep. Perry Warren announced Wednesday that his legislation to reduce plastic bottle waste by encouraging the use of reusable water bottles passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
House Bill 1139 would require the installation of water bottle filling stations in newly constructed and substantially renovated Pennsylvania government buildings, helping reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles while improving public access to clean drinking water.
“This legislation is about reducing waste, improving public health, and setting an example for sustainable practices across Pennsylvania,” Warren said.
The concept for the bill began, Warren recalled, with a conversation in his district office with a student intern about the growing prevalence of disposable plastic water bottles. That conversation prompted deeper reflection and research.
“Soon after, I traveled to Grand Teton National Park, used a water bottle filling station at Philadelphia International Airport on the way, and visited a display at the national park visitor center highlighting plastic water bottle waste,” Warren said. “Those three experiences led me to conceive a bill that would reduce plastic water bottle waste by encouraging an alternative to disposable bottles.”
Discarded plastic water bottles generate an estimated 25 million tons of waste annually. Much of this waste is not properly disposed of, contributing to pollution in waterways and harm to wildlife.
“In fact, during our recent district office park cleanups, plastic bottles were pretty much all the trash we found,” Warren noted.
The legislation requires newly constructed Commonwealth buildings and those undergoing major renovation to install water bottle filling stations—features commonly found in airports, schools and other public facilities. In addition to reducing plastic waste, the bill aims to provide a more sanitary and healthful alternative to traditional drinking fountains and restroom sinks.
The measure, however, doesn’t explain or go into, the cost involved with installing water bottle filling stations or who is going to pay for it. The bill passed on a split party vote, 102 to 99
Warren represents the 31st Legislative District in Bucks County, comprised of Lower Makefield, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Upper Makefield and Yardley.
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