Reaction has been swift since Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., and Rep. Alan Lowenthal, D-Calif., introduced the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act of 2020, which would step up pressure on packaging and single-use plastics and resin manufacturing.
And, as shouldn't be surprising, the reactions from industry groups and environmental groups have been pretty much what was expected.
The American Chemistry Council pointed out that it has been active in seeking bipartisan solutions to help end plastic waste, and the plastics industry has been investing in plastics recycling.
"But suggestions, such as a moratorium on new plastic facilities, would limit domestic manufacturing growth, jobs, tax revenues for local communities, and other benefits," Keith Christman, managing director of ACC's plastics division, said in a written statement. "Society needs plastics to live more sustainably."
"Any effort to specifically target plastic materials — that, after life-cycle analysis, prove to be more environmentally desirable than other materials — would be misguided at best and harmful at worst," Plastics Industry Association CEO Tony Radoszewski added in a statement.
Groups such as Oceana and Greenpeace, meanwhile, said the bill was needed, calling its proposal a "game-changer."
We'll be keeping an eye on what happens next.
