SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): A group of 48 lawmakers have sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan urging it to focus more on reduction and reuse strategies, while formulating new regulations on plastic industry. Furthermore, the letter calls for rejection of chemical recycling as a plastics management solution.
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In the letter dated 9th February, 2023, the lawmakers led by Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J.; Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; and Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif. noted that bold action is needed to protect the communities and climate from plastics. Although recycling is important, that alone would not help to solve the crisis, the letter said.
The lawmakers pointed out that chemical recycling will not reduce the amount of plastic in the environment. Furthermore, it could lead to more harm by putting more resources into plastic production. The chemical recycling plants cause potential dangers to lives of nearby communities, they noted.
The letter called upon EPA to look into the provisions outlined in the Protecting Communities from Plastic Act presented in the Congress towards the end of the previous year. It proposes to implement tighter regulations for plastics manufacturing industry, including temporary halt on permitting process for such facilities.