Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, introduced HB 627 to prohibit the use of polystyrene in foodservice or coolers. The bill was referred to the House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee on Feb. 28. At the request of the committee chair, PCIC quickly organized representatives from industry to present at an informational meeting April 8.
NOVA Chemicals, Dart Container Corp., EPS Industry Alliance and PCIC presented on different aspects of the proposed ban, including the impact on jobs and the economy, the importance of evaluating the entire life cycle of alternative products, the opportunities that exist in recycling and the impact of heavy-handed regulation on future investments in the commonwealth.
You can view comments from each presenter below. At the close of the meeting, Chairman Daryl Metcalfe committed publicly not to move the legislation from his committee, essentially killing the bill. The feedback from Republican and Democratic committee members was positive, and we look forward to continuing those conversations as we continue to advocate against chemical and product ban legislation.
Presenters:
NOVA Chemicals – John Feraco, Comments
PA Chemical Industry Council – Abby Foster, Comments
EPS Industry Alliance – Walter Reiter, Comments
Dart Container Corp. - Paul Poe, Comments