Today, Congressman Gary Palmer, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, led a hearing titled “Beyond the Blue Bin: Forging a Federal Landscape for Recycling Innovation and Economic Growth.” The session focused on removing government barriers to encourage investments in recycling technologies.
Chairman Palmer stated, “It’s time to ensure that government red tape isn’t preventing investments in new technologies and methods that can help support recycling here at home. Today’s hearing was an opportunity to discuss these issues and look at long-term solutions that support both mechanical and advanced recycling here in the United States.” He emphasized the importance of e-waste recycling for economic and national security.
Congressman Dan Crenshaw highlighted the need for regulatory clarity, saying, “I think we’re on the same page we want to strive to build a more innovative economy that incorporates advanced recycling and revitalizes American manufacturing. We need two key elements: clear rules at home and strong leadership abroad.”
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks pointed out the economic implications of recycling inefficiencies. She said, “It’s an economic and a national security imperative, as well as an environmental issue…The data shows we’re landfilling millions of tons of valuable manufactured materials every year materials that should be creating jobs and strengthening supply chains right here in America.”
Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger discussed advancements in plastic recycling. She noted, “We use plastic in everything…when we’re talking about the future of plastics, we need to work towards making a more circular economy.” Her district hosts Eastman Chemical Company’s advanced recycling facility.
