Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act
Summary
The Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act authorizes the Department of Defense to use expeditionary solid waste disposal systems for destroying illicit contraband, including counterfeit materials, unauthorized military gear, illegal narcotics, and classified materials. It prohibits the use of open-air burn pits for disposing of these materials. The act also allocates $8.95 million for solid waste disposal systems by increasing the appropriation for Other Procurement, Army, and offsetting it by reducing the appropriation for Operation and Maintenance, Army, Additional Activities, Overseas Operating Costs related to open-air burn pits.
Expected Effects
The WIPE Act will likely lead to a reduction in the use of open-air burn pits by the Department of Defense, potentially improving air quality and reducing health risks for military personnel. It will also provide funding for alternative waste disposal systems. The shift in funding may impact overseas operating costs, requiring adjustments in resource allocation.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced environmental impact from open-air burn pits.
- Improved health outcomes for military personnel due to reduced exposure to harmful emissions.
- Enhanced security through the destruction of illicit contraband and unauthorized military gear.
- Support for border security and narcotic interdiction efforts.
- Potential for technological advancements in solid waste disposal systems.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disruption to existing waste disposal processes during the transition to new systems.
- Possible increased costs associated with implementing and maintaining expeditionary solid waste disposal systems.
- Potential impact on overseas operations due to the reduction in funding for Operation and Maintenance, Army, Additional Activities, Overseas Operating Costs.
- Risk of delays in the destruction of contraband if the new systems are not deployed efficiently.
- Possible unforeseen environmental impacts from the new disposal systems.
Constitutional Alignment
The WIPE Act aligns with the Constitution by providing for the common defense (Article I, Section 8) through the destruction of illicit contraband and unauthorized military gear. It also promotes the general welfare by reducing environmental hazards and improving the health of military personnel. The Act's funding provisions are subject to Congress's power of the purse (Article I, Section 9).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).