New York Assembly’s Setback for Packaging Reform

News Summary

The New York state Assembly has failed to advance the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, marking a setback for environmental advocates. The bill aimed to implement extended producer responsibility for packaging and reduce plastic use by 30% over 12 years. Despite passing the Senate, corporate opposition hindered its progress in the Assembly. Supporters express disappointment while remaining hopeful for future discussions on similar legislation. The outcome underscores ongoing tensions between environmental goals and economic concerns amidst significant lobbying efforts.

Albany, New York — The New York state Assembly did not advance the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, marking a significant setback for environmental advocates and a notable win for business groups. This marks the second consecutive year that the bill, which seeks to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, passed the Senate but encountered obstacles in the Assembly. The legislative session concluded early Wednesday morning without a vote on the bill, which had attracted considerable attention throughout the session.

The legislation, sponsored by Democratic state Senator Pete Harckham, aimed to establish EPR for packaging materials, which would require businesses to pay fees on packaging waste to support recycling initiatives. Specifically, the bill proposed to cut plastic packaging by 30% over a span of 12 years. It outlined targets for recycling or reusing at least 25% of plastic packaging by 2030 and 75% by 2052. Furthermore, it sought to criminalize the inclusion of 17 toxic chemicals in packaging, such as PFAS and vinyl chloride, and aimed to prevent the state from categorizing chemical recycling as legitimate recycling.

Environmental advocates have expressed profound disappointment in the Assembly’s decision, viewing the outcome as a reflection of the Assembly’s alignment with corporate interests over environmental protections. Groups including Beyond Plastics and the New York League of Conservation Voters had expressed robust support for the legislation, highlighting its potential to target harmful substances and enhance recycling rates.

Corporate lobbyists actively opposed the bill, spending over $2 million to counter its passage, citing concerns that its requirements would impose excessive financial burdens on both businesses and consumers. The Business Council of New York State and various packaging industry representatives advocated for alternative legislation they labeled as more practical and aligned with industry needs.

The bill’s failure has deferred aspirations for an exhaustive EPR framework in New York’s packaging sector. However, proponents remain optimistic that the bill may resurface for future discussions. Critics of the counterarguments made by business interests have pointed out their tendency to frame the potential costs disproportionately, particularly regarding their impacts on marginalized communities, despite a lack of supporting evidence.

Leadership within the Assembly, notably Speaker Carl Heastie, experienced increased pressure from both environmental advocates and opposition groups during the final hours of the legislative session. Up until the final moments, discussions surrounding the bill’s provisions and necessary compromises were ongoing, highlighting a tense atmosphere regarding environmental legislation in New York.

Local governments and environmental organizations supported the bill as a critical measure aimed at alleviating municipal challenges related to packaging waste while also enhancing overall recycling infrastructure. The inability to pass this legislation underscores a persistent struggle in New York to find a balance between fostering environmental responsibility and addressing economic considerations amid substantial lobbying forces.

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HERE Resources

Record Lobbying Spending in New York State
New York Lawmakers Debate Waste Management Bills
New York Lawmakers Amend Consumer Protection Bill Amid Business Concerns
New York Proposes Major Packaging Waste Reduction Legislation
New York Business Groups Propose Alternative to Plastic Waste Bill

Additional Resources

• Packaging Dive
• The Guardian
• Spectrum Local News
• Google Search: Extended Producer Responsibility
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Plastics