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Senate passes broad packaging-reduction, producer-responsibility law after hours-long debate
Summary
After lengthy floor debate, the New York State Senate passed an extended producer responsibility (EPR) bill that sets packaging-reduction targets, creates producer-run organizations to run recycling programs and bans certain toxic chemicals in packaging; the measure passed on a roll call.
The New York State Senate on Wednesday passed an expansive bill to require producers to reduce and manage packaging waste and to fund statewide recycling improvements.
Supporters said the measure shifts the cost of waste management from local taxpayers to producers and limits toxic chemicals in food and other packaging; opponents warned it will raise consumer prices and harm New York manufacturers and jobs.
Sen. Pete Harckham, the bill's sponsor and chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, framed the measure as both an environmental and public-health law. He cited peer-reviewed research on microplastics and nano plastics, and said the bill imposes “environmental standards for packaging” while creating oversight, including a new recycling inspector general to audit producer-run programs. “Our kids' public health is not for sale,” Harckham said on the floor.
The legislation requires producers that meet the statutory thresholds to join or…
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