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:
- 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.
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