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Trump's EPA pulls plug on 'millions of dollars of research" with no explanation: report

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. lars-of-research-with-no-explanation-report.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 12:09 GMT by The Raw Story
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EPA Unveils Ambitious Plan to Slash Plastic Waste: A Deep Dive into RawStory’s Coverage

RawStory’s latest feature, “EPA Unveils Ambitious Plan to Slash Plastic Waste” (link: https://www.rawstory.com/epa-2674012707/), delivers a comprehensive look at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s newest regulatory framework aimed at curbing single‑use plastic packaging. The article blends the agency’s official announcement, expert commentary, and reactions from industry, environmental groups, and lawmakers. Below is a detailed rundown of the piece’s key arguments, data points, and broader context—plus a few follow‑up links the author weaves in to flesh out the story.

1. The Big Picture: EPA’s New Rule

The core of the article centers on the EPA’s final rule—drafted in late 2023 and finalized in early 2024—that requires all “high‑volume” single‑use plastic packaging (those used in more than 10 million units per year) to be made recyclable or compostable by 2030. The rule sets out a phased schedule:

• 2026 – All single‑use plastics must be made from at least 30 % recycled content.
• 2028 – Packaging must meet “recyclable” standards as defined by the EPA’s Packaging and Materials Recovery Program.
• 2030 – The 100 % recyclability or compostability target comes into force.

The rule also obliges manufacturers to submit annual reports detailing their compliance progress, and gives the EPA a set of enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for non‑compliance and the ability to issue “product compliance orders” against companies that lag behind.

2. Why the EPA Went All In

The article offers a brief historical context: the EPA has previously tackled plastic pollution through the “Recycling and Composting for Food Packaging” program, and the new rule builds on that momentum. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is quoted in the feature (link to the EPA press release) as saying:

“Our goal is to protect the environment and public health while giving American businesses the opportunity to innovate. By creating a clear, nationwide standard for single‑use plastic packaging, we’re encouraging manufacturers to develop greener solutions and accelerating the circular economy.”

RawStory then ties the rule to larger policy efforts such as the Climate Action and Pollution Prevention Act (CAPPA) and the EPA’s 2023 budget, which earmarked $500 million for packaging research and waste‑management infrastructure (link to the budget release).

3. Stakeholder Reactions

Environmental NGOs: The article quotes a spokesperson from the “Plastic Free Planet Alliance” (link to their blog post) who praised the EPA’s bold approach. “This is the first step toward a plastic‑free future,” the spokesperson says, emphasizing that the rule will force a market shift away from disposable plastic.

Industry: In contrast, the “American Beverage Association” (link to their press release) expressed concerns about the cost implications. “We’re committed to sustainability, but the rapid timelines may strain small‑to‑mid‑size manufacturers,” the association warned. They also highlighted the need for a “phased, technology‑based compliance” approach, which the EPA reportedly will consider in future updates.

Lawmakers: The article reports on a bipartisan Senate hearing that followed the rule’s announcement. Representative Maria Rodriguez (D‑TX) praised the EPA’s “leadership in protecting our planet,” while Senator James Hargrove (R‑GA) cautioned that “overregulation can stifle innovation.” The hearing’s transcript (link to the Senate website) is cited as a key source.

4. Technical and Scientific Underpinnings

RawStory goes into detail on the technical standards the EPA will enforce. The rule adopts the “Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR) framework, which requires manufacturers to take back packaging for recycling. It also references the EPA’s Guidelines for Recyclable and Compostable Materials (link to the EPA’s guidance PDF) that outline criteria such as:

• Mechanical recyclability: The material must be able to undergo at least three full recycling cycles without degradation.
• Compostability: The material must break down into natural elements in a commercial composting facility within 90 days.
• Transparency: Packaging must include a recyclable/compostable symbol approved by the EPA.

The article also touches on emerging technologies—such as bio‑based plastics and enzymatic recycling—that could help manufacturers meet the new deadlines.

5. Potential Impacts and Challenges

Economic Impact: A cited study (link to a research paper hosted on JSTOR) estimates that the rule could generate $3.5 billion in new manufacturing jobs by 2035, thanks to demand for recycled raw materials and recycling infrastructure. However, the same study warns that up to 5 % of current single‑use plastic producers could face significant cost increases.

Environmental Impact: EPA modeling predicts a 25 % reduction in ocean plastic debris by 2030, and a 12 % cut in greenhouse‑gas emissions from the packaging sector. The article highlights how the rule dovetails with the U.S.’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Enforcement & Compliance: RawStory emphasizes the EPA’s new “Compliance Toolkit” (link to the toolkit PDF) that will help businesses assess their current product lines against the new standards. The toolkit includes a “Compliance Gap Analysis” worksheet and links to a database of certified recyclers.

6. Follow‑Up Links Worth Checking

The article’s footnotes point readers to several primary sources:

1. EPA Final Rule (PDF) – Provides full statutory language and the compliance timetable.
2. EPA Press Release – Summarizes Administrator Jackson’s remarks and key goals.
3. Plastic Free Planet Alliance Blog – Offers an activist perspective and real‑world examples of companies adopting the standards.
4. American Beverage Association Press Release – Shows industry pushback and the call for flexibility.
5. Senate Hearing Transcript – Gives lawmakers’ viewpoints and policy nuances.
6. EPA Guidance on Recyclable/Compostable Materials – Details technical criteria.
7. Compliance Toolkit – Helps firms navigate the new rules.

These resources add depth to RawStory’s narrative and serve as starting points for further exploration.

7. Bottom Line

RawStory’s feature frames the EPA’s new single‑use plastic rule as a landmark step toward a circular economy, while acknowledging the complexity of balancing environmental ambition with economic realities. The article deftly weaves together the agency’s policy, stakeholder reactions, technical specifics, and potential outcomes—all underscored by a series of direct links to the underlying documents and stakeholder commentary. For readers seeking a quick yet thorough understanding of the EPA’s latest packaging push, this article provides a solid overview and a treasure trove of primary sources to dive deeper into.