NWRA Highlights Chapters’ 46 Legislative and Regulatory Successes So Far in 2022
Arlington, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) highlighted the 46 legislative and regulatory victories its chapters have achieved so far this year. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bills, new taxes/fees and regulations on landfills were common challenges the industry faced in state legislatures during their 2022 sessions.
Among the many successes, NWRA members in New York testified and were able to keep EPR programs from being implemented through the state budget. In Connecticut, NWRA’s chapter was credited with defeating EPR legislation in that state. NWRA’s Alabama chapter leadership testified in support of legislation that clarified existing regulations related to landfill approval applications.
“The backbone of NWRA is our state chapters. Some of the most significant issues impacting our industry are at the state level,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith. “I congratulate our chapter leaders and staff who support and advocate for our industry in state legislatures.”
The waste and recycling industry and the United States Postal Service are the only two entities that travel every road in America at least once a week. NWRA’s strong advocacy at the state level helps ensure that its member companies can continue to operate safely, protecting public health and the environment.
The full list of NWRA’s 46 legislative wins by chapter follows.
- Alabama – 3 wins (House Bill 304 regarding host government approval of applications and modifications; Alabama Department of Environmental Management regulatory changes)
- Carolinas – 3 wins (South Carolina – senate budget plan; North Carolina – landfill rule review; elevated solid waste workers to essential workers)
- Colorado – 2 wins (PFAS; amendments to EPR)
- Connecticut – 2 wins (defeated EPR this session; getting the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to move on freedom of information request)
- Florida – 8 wins (PFAS; elections; waste pickup definitions; etc.)
- Georgia – 3 wins (Solid Waste Trust Fund language; SB 516 – Environmental Protection Division to contract with the Department of Revenue; solid waste rules definitions)
- Illinois – 3 wins (exemption for landfill gas/PFAS incineration ban, defeated poorly drafted environmental justice bill; construction and demolition documentation responsibility)
- Indiana – 2 wins (request for proposals for municipal contracts expanded; supported agency on troublesome solid waste issues bill)
- Kentucky – 2 wins (taxes and new government establishment)
- Massachusetts – 1 win (anaerobic digestion bill getting traction; public hearings)
- Minnesota – 2 wins (protecting private sector facilities through bonding for new infrastructure; landfill ban discouraged/defeated)
- Missouri – 1 win (St. Louis County ordinance limiting pickup times defeated by veto)
- New Jersey – 2 wins (minimum content law; keeping EPR from passing)
- New York City – 1 win (extension of commercial waste zone implementation deadline)
- New York State – 3 wins (keeping EPR out of budget; keeping bottle bill from passing; extending Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act public comment period)
- Ohio – 1 win (distracted driving)
- Oklahoma – 4 wins (PFAS; electric vehicles; gross weight exemption; SB617, motor vehicles – consolidation of powers; water quality standards; HB 3964 – vehicle theft)
- Texas – 2 wins (trucking tort reform; elections legislation)
- Wisconsin – 1 win (Personal Property Tax Study Committee)
