Cleveland — In its first months, the new presidential administration has proven more receptive than in past years to concerns of the plastics supply chain, says Bill Carteaux, CEO of Washington-based Plastics Industry Association.
"For the first time in my dozen years going into the halls of Congress, they're actually listening," he told an audience of toolmakers at the American Mold Builders Association's annual conference in Cleveland.
"In the last three, four months, we've had a tremendous amount of calls from the administration and from the White House, and from Capitol Hill," Carteaux said. "And when I've spent time on the Hill the past couple months, people on the Hill are really listening to what we have to say."
Carteaux said he received a similar message from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, during a meeting shortly after the confirmation of Scott Pruitt as administrator.
"One of the guys looked at me and said, 'Bill, before we start, I just want you to know that this is your EPA. What can we do to help you?' ... I've been at the EPA a lot over the last 12 years, and I have never had them say that it was my EPA and how can we help you."
Carteaux also discussed preparations for the plastics industry fly-in, set this year for July 26. The association is arranging face-to-face meetings for industry leaders to share their experiences and concerns with lawmakers.
"This is absolutely the year that we need to engage, because we're being listened to," Carteaux said.
