ALBANY, New York — Lawmakers are moving ahead with a sweeping measure to reduce plastic and packaging waste, but its fate is uncertain amid continued pushback from business groups and the chemical industry.
The chairs of the Environmental Conservation committees in both the Assembly and Senate have indicated the “extended producer responsibility,” or EPR, bill is a top priority and moved it out of committees in recent weeks.
extended producer responsibility
is a top priority
EPR refers to having companies that make or distribute a product bear the responsibility to properly dispose of or recycle that product. New York has utilized EPR models for beverage containers, paint, carpets, electronics and other difficult-to-dispose of consumer goods.
“I will do everything humanly possible to make certain that before this session ends, these bills will be sent to the governor,” Assembly Environmental Chair Deborah Glick (D) told a rally backing the broad EPR measure and another to increase and expand the state’s bottle deposit fee on Tuesday in Albany.
