Ross: “There are few more surefire paths to stifle innovation than ambiguous regulations.”
Over my (many) years in our nation’s Capital, I’ve observed how new Administrations create lots of comfort and lots of anxiety, depending on political perspectives. My mantra throughout these transitions has been simple: Focus on opportunities to move the ball forward.
For American manufacturing, today there are many such opportunities. For plastic re-manufacturing (or recycling), there’s a golden opportunity.
How to Regulate Advanced Recycling?
Toward the end of the first Trump Administration, the EPA was making great progress on updating and clarifying federal policy to treat the re-manufacture of plastic (and other materials) like similar manufacturing processes.
At the time, EPA was grappling with antiquated and contradictory regulatory language on a provision of the Clean Air Act that left open the question: How do we regulate technologies that allow us to re-manufacture plastic?
The traditional way to recycle used plastic has been to melt and reform it (a process typically called mechanical recycling). But what about advanced technologies that convert used plastic into raw materials that then can be used to re-manufacture new plastic and other materials?
Out-of-date regulations were… well… out of date. They had not kept up with innovation and modern manufacturing processes. So, questions remained about how these technologies fit into old regulations intended to address other activities.
Regulations were unclear. And there are few more surefire paths to stifle innovation than ambiguous regulations. Companies need regulatory certainty if they’re going to invest in technologies and facilities designed to last for decades.
Clarifying Advanced Recycling Regulations
So, in August 2020, EPA proposed new regulations to clarify that these advanced technologies should be treated like other manufacturing. This makes sense because using raw materials (used plastic) to make finished goods (new plastic or other materials) is exactly what countless American manufacturers do every day.
These proposed regs, if finalized, were poised to unleash new investments in re-manufacturing plastic, which would help strengthen and reignite U.S. manufacturing overall.
Then the Administration changed, and EPA withdrew the proposed rule.
EPA: Pick Up Where You Left Off in 2020
Now, EPA should pick up where it left off in 2020. The new Trump Administration has an opportunity to re-introduce the 2020 proposed regulations. It’s a light lift that could help realize the potential for plastic re-manufacturing to create a stronger, more secure America.
Agency action can help catalyze burgeoning efforts to re-manufacture this essential material, which would fortify our nation’s supply chains, create jobs, and reduce our environmental footprint. Today’s EPA has an opportunity to help the U.S. lead the world in developing stronger, more resilient, and sustainable manufacturing… and re-manufacturing.
Let’s take this opportunity to move the ball forward.
Ross Eisenberg is president of America’s Plastic Makers® and presently a very happy Philadelphia Eagles fan.
