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Oct 24, 2024

The plastics industry pushes for deregulation in new recycling bill - EHN

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

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.

Lisa Song reports for ProPublica.

In short:

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.

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