The Plastics Industry Pushes for Deregulation in New Recycling Bill

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A proposed federal recycling bill includes provisions to boost the plastics industry by easing regulations and promoting chemical recycling, raising concerns from environmentalists who call it a "Project 2025" for a potential Trump administration.

In short:

A new recycling bill backed by the plastics industry could deregulate chemical recycling and redefine polluting processes as manufacturing.

The bill’s provisions may bypass Congress if adopted by federal agencies under a future Trump administration.

Environmental advocates argue the bill prioritizes industry profit over meaningful solutions to the plastic waste crisis.

Key quote:

“If you don’t nerd it out and spend your nights and weekends studying these details, then it sounds really good.”

— Cynthia Palmer, senior analyst for petrochemicals at Moms Clean Air Force

Why this matters:

The bill could lock in harmful practices and hinder efforts to reduce plastic pollution. By reclassifying waste-burning technologies, the industry seeks to sidestep key environmental protections, worsening pollution and health risks.

 Courtesy: www.ehn.org