Congressman Brett Guthrie and Congressman Gary Palmer have announced a hearing focused on advanced recycling. The event, titled “Beyond the Blue Bin: Forging a Federal Landscape for Recycling Innovation and Economic Growth,” is set to explore new opportunities in recycling, assess current infrastructure, and examine whether existing laws support the AI industry domestically.
“This hearing will provide a platform to examine new opportunities in the field of recycling, the current state of our recycling infrastructure, and whether current law can support the AI industry here at home,” said Chairman Guthrie and Chairman-Designate Palmer.
The hearing is scheduled for July 16, 2025, at 10:15 AM ET in Room 2322 of the Rayburn House Office Building. It will be open to both the public and press, with a livestream available on energycommerce.house.gov.
Ross Eisenberg, President of America’s Plastic Makers, presented testimony highlighting challenges such as low recycling rates due to outdated infrastructure and regulatory barriers that impede advanced recycling technologies. He noted that only 8.7% of plastic is currently recycled.
Eisenberg recommended engaging actively in UN plastics agreement negotiations to protect U.S. manufacturing interests and promote waste management innovation. He also advocated for supporting advanced recycling technologies like pyrolysis and depolymerization.
He suggested creating federal standards to classify advanced recycling as manufacturing rather than waste management to attract investment. This could potentially generate 48,500 jobs and $12.9 billion in economic output.
Eisenberg called for federal legislation such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to fund recycling infrastructure through industry fees while exempting critical sectors. He also endorsed bills like the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (H.R. 2145) to improve access for underserved communities.
In conclusion, Eisenberg urged bipartisan efforts to modernize recycling systems, harmonize regulations, and position the U.S. as a leader in sustainable plastics.
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