Charleston Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee convened today for a hearing titled “Federal Programs for the Circular Economy: State and Local Perspectives on Efforts to Improve Reuse and Recycling.” Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered the following opening statement.

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I want to thank the panel for being here with us today,” Capito began. She emphasized the committee's ongoing discussions about recycling benefits and policy options to enhance recycling infrastructure.

Capito highlighted two bills introduced in response to specific recycling challenges: the Recycling Composting and Accountability Act, spearheaded by Chairman Carper, and her own bill, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act. Both bills are pending action in the House. "For the life of me I cannot believe that we can't get these bills over the finish line," she said, expressing frustration over their prolonged stagnation despite being foundational steps.

She underscored a fundamental challenge: improving national recycling collection infrastructure amid low demand for recycled materials. Capito urged consideration of potential government roles at various levels while maintaining that federal policies should support rather than override state, local, and private initiatives.

Capito also addressed the need for clearer recycling labeling to aid household understanding. She criticized current labels as outdated and misleading, citing inconsistent local recycling requirements as a source of consumer confusion.

The hearing aimed to explore how federal programs can bolster local waste management efforts. Capito noted that while federal grants are not panaceas, they can stimulate private sector investment in collection infrastructure through zero-interest or below-market rate loans. She praised competitive grants for their flexibility in meeting specific community needs but raised concerns about their complex application processes disadvantaging rural communities.

“The lack of rural recycling infrastructure is one of the key challenges facing our recycling system,” she stated, calling for better rural participation in grant programs.

Capito warned against an overreliance on federal funding for sustainability in U.S. recycling systems. She stressed that without viable end markets willing to purchase recycled goods, these systems would fail regardless of taxpayer investment.

Concluding her remarks, Capito expressed anticipation for insights from the panelists before yielding back her time.

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