What is going on?

The EPA is trying to change the classification of Solid Waste Incinerators under the Clean Air Act Section 129 which would allow them to burn waste and emit toxic pollutants into the air without any regulations. This will cause harm to our environment and the people.

This will significantly impact "chemical/advanced recycling" facilities which already create hazardous waste, air pollutants, and/or use toxic solvents. According to a study by NRDC, three pyrolysis facilities alone disposed of over 2 million pounds of hazardous waste from 2021-2024.

These facilities are often located in low-income communities and/or communities of color. They release hazardous air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and vinyl chloride, along with criteria air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. These air pollutants are known or suspected to cause cancer, reproductive harm, birth defect, or other serious health and environmental effects.

A report by Beyond Plastics in 2023 found that out of 11 "chemical/advanced recycling" facilities in the US at the time, 7 were located in environmental justice communities. This means there's a group of people who disproportionately experience environmental harms and risks. They are part of the fenceline communities that are disproportionately exposed to the hazards and pollutants that are emitted from these facilities.

The American Chemistry Council, an industry group, is in support of this rule change. The fossil fuel industry wants this rule change to happen because it will allow them to burn plastics and pollute our air with zero consequences. It is up to us to ensure that our environment and communities aren't being harmed due to the EPA's support for the plastics and fossil fuel industry.

What can you do?

Submit a public comment! Sign onto this letter campaign, feel free to make it your own by adding your story.

You can also submit a public comment separately by:

1. Go to www.regulations.gov and search docket # (EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0068-0001). Be sure to read and follow the online instructions for giving comments.
2. Send to a-and-r-docket@epa.gov ***All subject lines must contain the docket # (EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0068-0001) otherwise it will be disregarded***

This letter campaign is being organized by Big Love Network, along with People Over Polymers, NAACP Akron, and other partners.