New York plastics bill runs into caucus cost concerns

By Marie J. French | 05/23/2025 06:18 AM EDT

A sweeping measure to reduce packaging and plastic waste faces challenges as an influential caucus sees affordability issues.

ALBANY, New York — Some lawmakers are heeding the affordability drumbeat from business groups opposed to an aggressive waste reduction measure.

A few Democratic lawmakers, mainly members of the influential Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, have signed on in recent weeks to competing “extended producer responsibility” legislation backed by the plastics industry and other business interests.

Environmental advocates are concerned this imperils their preferred measure with strict limits on toxic chemicals and mandated reductions in plastics and packaging materials.

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“There’s a question around affordability,” said Michaelle Solages, who chairs the caucus.

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