A groundbreaking California law that compels packaging producers to phase out single-use plastics is already sparking anger from the chemicals industry and environmental groups just weeks after going into effect.
The law, which was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022 but only took effect in May, requires plastic and packaging companies to use less single-use plastic, and ensure by 2032 that all packaging is either recyclable or compostable. The big idea is to incentivize producers of plastics to consider the end of their products’ life in order to create better, more sustainable bottles, containers and wrappings.
Under the new rules, plastic producers have to cut single-use plastic, increase recycling rates, and pay $5bn to remedy harms from plastic pollution.
Another part of the problem is that the industries employ experts in their industry, while the government does not have experts in any industry, so they can baffle them with technical language and misleading figures.
The government should employ experts to analyze the statements industry makes.
But that’s literally socialism.
Employing independent experts to help legislators make descions is not socialism. It’s a common sense governmental policy that goes back to antiquity. See: kings having advisors.
But… that costs money!!
So does naively shutting down your towns paper mill and destroying the town economy, or failing to improve the town’s quality of life and driving away productive residents or prospective residents.