The 2021 ISRI Fall Meetings began Monday, Oct. 18, in Charleston, SC. The meetings ended Wednesday, Oct. 20.
The Government Relations Committee met from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Co-Chair Scott Miller of Sims Metal Management gave opening remarks followed by a message about fire safety from Co-Chair Dan Garvin of Colorado Iron & Metal. Adina Renee Adler, ISRI’s vice president of advocacy, requested member volunteers to oversee the first draft of ISRI’s 2022 Advocacy Agenda.
In state issues, Miller briefed the committee on a proposed emergency rulemaking by California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) that would label shredded metal coming out of the hammermill as hazardous material. Litigation seems likely to stop the rulemaking if it happens. From the State Subcommittee, Andrew Lincoln of Lincoln Recycling told attendees ISRI is closely watching the release of New Jersey’s Environmental Justice regulations. The subcommittee is preparing for the next lobbyist training, in mid-November, that will focus on definitions.
Danielle Waterfield, ISRI’s chief policy officer, covered preparations for the Nov. 3-5 National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) Summit in Tampa, Fla., in which ISRI is pursuing alternative outreach plans due to pandemic-related changes to the program.
At the federal level, Billy Johnson, ISRI’s chief lobbyist, and David Eaton, director of government relations, briefed the committee on the outlook for the bipartisan $1.3 trillion infrastructure bill that promises demand for recycled commodities in infrastructure projects. The bill includes the RECYCLE Act that ISRI helped to craft and provides funding to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for public awareness and education. Johnson also discussed his participation in a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee roundtable and hearing about recycling.
Johnson reported on the bill sponsored by congressmen John Garamendi, D-Calif., and Dusty Johnson, R-S.D. that would enhance the Federal Maritime Commission’s ability to address some of the shipping bottlenecks. Eaton reported that the Biden administration will consider exemptions to Section 301 tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, including wear parts. Garvin reported the Environmental Justice Working Group has begun, and Mel Wright of Wright’s Scrap Recycling and Eaton discussed the refresh of the ISRI Political Action Committee web page and logo.
The Superfund Recycling Equity Act (SREA), Metals Theft, Design for Recycling, and Community Relations subcommittees announced continued progress toward their goals.
David Wagger, Ph.D., ISRI’s chief scientist and director of environmental management, advised members of ISRI’s advocacy regarding the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reporting requirements and the agency’s proposals on the group of chemicals known as PFAS; compliance with the EPA’s 2021 Multi-Sector General Permit; and the EPA’s hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) phasedown rule. ISRI has concluded that the EPA must consider the unique position of recyclers in the lifecycle of chemical substances when developing its rules.
Mark Carpenter, ISRI’s vice president of communications, reported he is working to develop a hub with talking points and information to help members in their advocacy outreach. Craig Boswell of HOBI International, chair of ISRI’s Electronics Division, reported the division plans to join a coalition in favor of a right-to-repair opportunity.
Photo courtesy of ISRI.
