Home / Environment / Big Business Fights New York's Plastic Ban
Big Business Fights New York's Plastic Ban
7 Dec
Summary
- Over 100 corporations oppose New York's Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.
- The bill aims for a 30% reduction in single-use plastics over 12 years.
- Public support for the bill is high, with 72% of state residents backing it.
New York's legislative efforts to curb plastic waste are encountering substantial resistance from over 100 corporations. The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) proposes a significant 30% decrease in single-use plastics over a 12-year period, alongside regulations for toxic chemicals and the introduction of extended producer responsibility. This initiative aims to enhance recycling and reusable content by 2052, placing accountability on manufacturers for the waste their products generate.
Despite robust public backing, with polls indicating 72% of New York residents support the bill, powerful industry players like ExxonMobil, Shell, McDonald's, Amazon, and Coca-Cola are actively lobbying against its passage. Critics argue this opposition reflects a pattern of corporate interests prioritizing profit over public well-being and environmental health. The PRRIA is seen by proponents as crucial for mitigating microplastic pollution and reducing the health risks associated with incinerating plastic waste.
While the bill has advanced through the New York Senate, its assembly vote is anticipated in January. Environmental advocacy groups are urging for earlier consideration and encouraging residents to contact their representatives to voice support. The campaign against PRRIA underscores the persistent challenge of corporate greenwashing, where companies may publicly commit to sustainability while privately opposing impactful legislation.
