# Plastics Industry Association and Plastic Pollution

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/plastics-industry-association-and-plastic-pollution/
- Published: 2019-03-15T23:48:11-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

By Perry Wheeler,March 1, 2019 Washington, DC – As communities increasingly take
action on the worsening plastic pollution crisis, the chemical and plastics industry
and front groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) have stepped
up efforts to protect corporate profits through mass-produced preemption bills meant
to “ban plastic [bans](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/08/as-plastic-regulations-and-bans-increase-market-value-for-biodegradable-polymers-exceeds-1-billion-and-will-rise-sharply-by-2023-ihs-markit-says/).”

However, new bills to prevent local action on plastic pollution have been introduced
this year. In states like North Dakota, Oklahoma and Florida. As well as reintroduced
in South Carolina, Utah, and Missouri.

#### ![plastics industry association](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pexels-photo-802221-1.jpg?resize=604%2C402&quality=52&ssl=1)

## Pro-plastic groups

ALEC has worked alongside the [Plastics Industry Association](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/joint-release-unified-command-working-to-assess-water-quality-near-itc-site/).
As well as its front group. It’s called the American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA).
Their goal is to push model legislation for legislators. All for them to introduce
and champion nationwide. Moreover, a number of corporations use the preemption approach.
That’s to benefit over other issues as well. For example, the minimum wage paid 
sick leave and fracking.

[Statewide preemption laws currently prohibit 70 million Americans in 10 states](http://www.ncsl.org/)
from enacting bag ordinances. All to reduce plastic waste and pollution in their
communities. The American Chemistry Council (ACC), [which is a member of ALEC](https://web.archive.org/web/20190110212727/https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Chemistry_Council),
originally created the American Progressive Bag Alliance (then called the Progressive
Bag Affiliates). It also played a more active role in lobbying against plastic bans.
In 2011, the ACC announced that the APBA was becoming was a division of the Plastics
Industry Association.  All of which became a member of ALEC in 2013.

![The generated image powerfully illustrates the complex issues surrounding the 
UN Plastic Pollution Summit and its outcomes. A split-screen composition effectively
contrasts the environmental impact of plastic pollution with grassroots efforts 
to combat it. On one side, a polluted ocean dominates the scene. Plastic waste floats
on the surface, while affected marine life struggles beneath. This vivid depiction
underscores the article's emphasis on the environmental havoc wreaked by plastic
pollution, particularly on ocean ecosystems. The opposite side showcases grassroots
initiatives. Local plastic bans and recycling programs are represented through clean
streets and community action. This visual element aligns with the article's mention
of cities and countries implementing their own measures in the absence of international
consensus. At the center of the image, a large plastic bottle shaped like Earth 
stands cracked down the middle. This striking symbol represents the global divide
on plastic regulation, reflecting the summit's failure to reach a binding agreement
despite widespread support for ambitious measures. Silhouettes of negotiators in
disagreement at the top of the image capture the diplomatic impasse described in
the article. In contrast, community activists at the bottom represent the growing
momentum of grassroots movements pushing for change. The color palette contrasts
the polluted and clean sides, visually emphasizing the stark difference between 
inaction and proactive measures. This contrast echoes the article's discussion of
the challenges and opportunities in addressing global plastic pollution. Overall,
this image serves as a powerful visual companion to the article, encapsulating the
key themes of environmental impact, economic consequences, diplomatic challenges,
and the rise of local initiatives in the face of global inaction on plastic pollution.](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_7832-400x400.
png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1)

In recent years, the three groups worked very closely. All to oppose plastic bans
across the country. Companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and SC Johnson are members
of the Plastics Industry Association. While SC Johnson recently [stated that it supports plastic straw bans](https://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20190214/BLOG03/190219913/is-sc-johnson-a-canary-in-a-coal-mine-on-plastic-bans?CSAuthResp=1%3A17371352961002%3A114115%3A38%3A24%3Aapproved%3AC92BB46E9667EF65E6644E2092BE8331),
it is still a member of the association. One whose APBA division leads preemption
lobbying against local plastic pollution ordinances.

The preemption bill in North Dakota was introduced by [ALEC’s state co-chair, Dan Ruby. That’s as well as](https://web.archive.org/web/20190714205803/https://sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=ALEC_State_Chairmen)
five other members. Those who are closely aligned with ALEC’s priorities. Both the
[North Dakota](https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/66-2019/bill-index/bi1200.html)
and [Oklahoma ](https://web.archive.org/web/20180814214054/http://www.oklegislature.gov:80/BillInfo.aspx)
legislation. Consequently, as an ALEC model policy.  I mean one [that has been used to pass plastic ban preemption laws in other states](https://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/03/13060/barring-plastic-bag-bans-another-alec-bill-takes-aim-local-democracy).
The [South Carolina](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess123_2019-2020/prever/394_20190122.htm)
and [Utah ](https://web.archive.org/web/20190331131443/https://le.utah.gov/~2019/bills/static/HB0320.html)
bills that were reintroduced this year do as well.

In Missouri, [the legislation expands upon](https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB271&year=2019&code=R)
its existing preemption law. All at preventing action on plastic bags. So now it
includes cups, packages and containers. Also, bottles and other packaging. Following
a year that saw plastic straws explode, especially in the national dialogue. Now
the Florida bill [preempts local action against plastic straws](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=63612).
Also the North Dakota bill adds new language. I mean ALEC’s previously-used model
policy. One to include straws as well.

![Straws and plastics ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2019/03/straws-tube-plastic-colorful-65612.jpg?resize=150%2C150&quality=52&ssl=1)

## States fight back

Melges adds that the people are responsible for electing legislators. So they are
who will put themselves above profits and [dirty](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/chemical-research-funding-for-brain-development/)
politics.

So States like [Idaho](https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2019/legislation/H0048/),
[Indiana](http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2019/bills/house/1230), and [Florida. ](https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=64138)
All have introduced bills. Bills to remove preemption of local action on plastics.
Numerous cities have recently passed or are trying to pass efforts. Especially to
tackle single-use plastics. So that’s [including a sweeping effort. All against the entire throwaway culture. Especially in Berkeley earlier this year](https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-leonard-bourque-plastic-berkeley-20190127-story.html).

In addition, Maryland is currently considering [a statewide ban. All on polystyrene foam. ](https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/environment/bs-md-state-foam-ban-20180313-story.html)
In addition, California is looking to [phase out plastic products. Moreover the plastic products that are not recyclable.](https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-plastic-product-phaseout-20190221-story.html)
Also Illinois is currently [considering a checkout bag fee](http://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?GA=101&SessionID=108&DocTypeID=SB&DocNum=1240).
Finally, Maine, [Oregon, and Washington](https://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-washington-plastic-bag-ban-environment/)
are considering statewide plastic bag bans.

In conclusion, Hawai’i is [considering a bill to ban plastic containers, bags, straws, utensils, and other packaging.](https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=522&year=2019)
New Jersey is [considering a bill that would ban plastic bags, foam containers and plastic straws](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/environment/2019/01/10/plastic-straw-ban-new-jersey/2462315002/).
Also, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo has [endorsed a plastic bag ban in her state. As well as she has urged a closer look. All at other single-use plastics](https://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20190220/NEWS/190229988/ri-gov-pushes-bag-ban-promises-broader-look-at-plastic-waste?CSAuthResp=1%3A37371352990454%3A114115%3A38%3A24%3Aapproved%3A33C81BE521E61021B616EC8D1EEC415C#utm_medium=email&utm_source=pn-sustain&utm_campaign=pn-sustain-20190221&email_sustain).

Finally and For more information on ALEC. As well as the Plastics Industry Association
lobbying efforts, click here: [https://www.asyousow.org/blog/](https://www.asyousow.org/blog/sustainable-companies-support-plastic-bag-lobbyists)
[sustainable-companies-support-](https://www.asyousow.org/blog/sustainable-companies-support-plastic-bag-lobbyists)
[plastic-bag-lobbyists](https://www.asyousow.org/blog/sustainable-companies-support-plastic-bag-lobbyists)

**Source**: Perry Wheeler, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist

#### ![Perry Wheeler](https://i0.wp.com/www.greenpeace.org/usa//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/PerryWheeler_Headshot-e1477675761220-150x150-c-default.jpg?w=780&quality=52&ssl=1)

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 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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