The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) is excited to join the annual National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Louisville, KY from Aug. 5-7.
The annual convention brings together legislative representatives from all 50 states and U.S. territories, including legislative staff, state and federal executive branch officials, industry representatives, and others interested in public policy. Each year, ReMA staff and members attend the Summit to show policymakers and other stakeholders the intricacies of the recycled materials industry.
Recycling on Display
At this year’s Summit, ReMA will join 500 other exhibitors on Tuesday and Wednesday, and showcase its divisions, including Electronics, Ferrous, Nonferrous, Plastics, Paper, and Tire and Rubber.
Summit attendees will experience innovative recycling solutions firsthand through the display, featuring items such as a bench made from recycled tires, an interactive wooden display “mini” shredder, and more.
These exhibits give policymakers a firsthand look at how recyclers transform old tires and other materials into practical and durable materials, effectively reducing landfill waste and contributing to a more sustainable environment. Interested NCSL attendees can drop by ReMA’s booth, 361, when the booth floor opens on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Powering the Future
Throughout the Summit ReMA members and staff will participate in various educations sessions and receptions offering valuable insights into pressing legislative issues and policy developments.
On Monday Aug. 5, Kristen Hildreth, ReMA’s AVP of government relations & strategic partnerships will moderate the panel “Powering the Future: Finding Critical Minerals.” As the market transitions to meet the growing demand for renewable energy technologies, securing crucial minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite presents both an economic opportunity and an environmental conundrum. This session explores state and industry actions to develop a domestic supply of these important substances, including recycling of end-of-life batteries.
Panelists include ReMA member Alexis Georgeson, vice president, government relations & communications at Redwood Materials, Daniel Shapiro, deployment manager at the U.S. Department of Energy, and Javier Sancho Velazquez, head of global issues and innovation at the European Union.
Legislative Reception and SGAC Event
During the evening of Tuesday Aug. 6, ReMA will host its inaugural Legislative Reception at the 21C Museum Hotel, just a few blocks from the main action. The reception will offer an opportunity for legislators and legislative staff to network and engage with ReMA in insightful discussions about recycling and sustainability and explore the innovative use of recycled materials. The association has received over 150 RSVPs from legislators, legislative staff, and other stakeholders.
In addition, ReMA is sponsoring the State Government Affairs Council’s (SGAC) late night event taking place at the Louisville Palace Theatre. ReMA’s sponsorship will provide significant visibility, positioning ReMA as a leading and influential organization within the government affairs community.
Sustainability Through Recycled Materials
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, at booth 159, ReMA will hold an educational session in the event’s learning hub. “Infrastructure Sustained by Recycled Materials” will dive into how the recycled materials industry provides the raw materials needed to build and modernize the nation’s infrastructure while stabilizing supply chains, protecting natural resources, and reducing emissions. Attendees will learn how the industry works to engineer – and reverse engineer – a sustainable future for the roads, buildings, and products that America relies on.
Panelists include ReMA members Will Drinkard of KW Plastics, Genti Bardhi of Salvadori Recycling (a TRC Company), and Alton Schaubhut of Commercial Metals Company (CMC) and the session will be moderated by Hildreth.
By showcasing its diverse divisions and innovative solutions, ReMA aims to highlight the essential role of recycled materials in modernizing the nation’s infrastructure. With engaging panels, a high-profile legislative reception, and strategic sponsorships, ReMA is set to make a notable impact, reinforcing its role as a leading advocate for recycling and sustainability in public policy.
Photos Courtesy of ReMA.
