Tue Feb 04 17:50:00 IST 2025: ## Energy Department’s Partnership with Plastics Lobby Sparks Concerns Over Chemical Recycling Focus

**Washington, D.C.** – The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) collaboration with a major plastics lobbying group is raising eyebrows, with critics arguing the agency is prioritizing industry-backed chemical recycling over proven methods of reducing plastic production. This partnership, highlighted in a recent Grist report by Joseph Winters and Emily Sanders, fuels concerns about transparency and the allocation of public funds.

Environmental groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), express alarm over the lack of transparency surrounding the DOE’s plastic waste policies. Daniel Rosenberg, director of federal toxics policy at the NRDC, stated, “There’s no transparency on how DOE is developing their policies…They seem very much in line with the industry agenda.”

Chemical recycling, while promoted by industry studies as a solution to plastic pollution, has yet to demonstrate viability on a large scale. The DOE’s support for this approach, critics argue, diverts resources from more effective waste reduction strategies. This raises questions about whether taxpayer money is serving the public interest or primarily benefiting corporate agendas.

The controversy underscores a broader debate about the role of government in addressing plastic pollution. While the DOE champions chemical recycling, nonprofit organizations like MADE SAFE and the Plastic Pollution Coalition are promoting alternative approaches, exemplified by their newly released Healthy Pregnancy Guide, which focuses on healthier choices for both babies and the environment.

The issue highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government policies related to environmental issues. Independent journalism, such as that provided by Environmental Health News (EHN), plays a crucial role in holding these agencies accountable and informing the public.

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