US Government Funds $144M Microplastics Initiative as California Honors Green‑Building Leaders

The U.S. government has committed $144 million to the STOMP (Systematic Targeting Of MicroPlastics) program, aimed at developing methods to measure and eventually remove microplastics and nanoplastics from the human body. ARPA‑H Director Alicia Jackson noted that no validated removal technique currently exists, prompting the program to focus first on prevention, with guidance for consumers to reduce exposure through kitchen, water‑filtration and textile choices.

The U.S. Green Building Council’s California chapter (USGBC‑CA) announced its 2026 Civic Leadership and Product Awards, to be presented at the 25th Annual California Green Building Conference at UC Berkeley on May 28. Awardees include the California Department of General Services, timber‑product maker Mad River Mass Timber, and air‑filter innovator Blade Air Pro Filter. USGBC‑CA also unveiled winners of its first global design competition, “Shaping the Future of Water Use at Home,” offering $50,000 in prizes for water‑efficient home concepts.