New Democracy Endorses Bipartisan Legislation to Unlock Investment in Advanced Recycling

WASHINGTON -- New Democracy proudly endorses the bipartisan Recycled Materials Attribution Act of 2026 (RMAA), legislation led by Representatives Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) and Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) to modernize federal recycling standards and strengthen accountability in recycled-content claims.

The United States produces more than 73 million metric tons of plastic waste each year, while recycling rates remain stubbornly low. For too long, the policy debate has stalled between voluntary corporate pledges that have delivered limited results and sweeping bans that overlook economic and material tradeoffs.

The RMAA formally recognizes advanced recycling technologies that convert waste plastics back into raw materials, placing them alongside traditional mechanical recycling. By clarifying federal standards, the RMAA would remove outdated regulatory barriers and unlock private investment in next-generation recycling capacity.

At the same time, the bill strengthens consumer protections by prohibiting misleading recycled-content claims and requiring independent third-party certification under clear federal guidelines.

The RMAA also establishes a uniform national framework enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, replacing a patchwork of conflicting state standards. A single, transparent system gives businesses the certainty to invest at scale and gives consumers confidence that recycled-content labels are accurate and meaningful.

“The RMAA shows you don’t have to choose between a strong economy and a cleaner environment,” said Neel Brown, Director at New Democracy. “By letting innovation lead and holding companies accountable, this bill gives us a real shot at solving the plastic waste problem – not just arguing about it.”

New Democracy urges members of both parties to support the legislation.

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Media Contact: Ian O’Keefe – iokeefe@newdemocracy.net