California Attorney General Rob Bonta is seeking court enforcement of subpoenas against plastics industry groups as part of an investigation into the environmental impact of plastic waste.
Clark Mindock reports for Reuters.
In short:
- California's attorney general filed petitions to compel the American Chemistry Council and the Plastics Industry Association to provide documents about the industry's recycling claims.
- The industry groups argue that they have already provided some documents and that further disclosure would violate their free speech rights.
- The investigation, started in 2022, examines whether the plastics industry misled the public about the recyclability of plastics.
Why this matters:
Plastic waste has become a pervasive issue, clogging waterways, littering landscapes, and even infiltrating the food chain through microplastics. The outcome of Bonta's investigation could lead to significant regulatory changes and increased pressure on the industry to adopt more sustainable practices.
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