Skip to content

Back to Our Blog

5.7.21 BNP Advocacy Alert – Extended Producer Responsibility Act Too Costly for New York

Blog Categories

May 7, 2021

 

5.7.21 BNP Advocacy Alert – Extended Producer Responsibility Act Too Costly for New York  

For weeks, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership has sounded the alarm on S. 1185, known as the Extended Producer Responsibility Act. This bill would broadly shift the responsibility of recycling packaging material (carton, glass, metal), paper and plastic products from municipalities to businesses, which the BNP suspected would add exorbitant costs onto businesses and consumers.  

Recently, our fears were substantiated. A new report studied the fiscal impacts the EPRA would have on New York State. The findings were staggering, but ultimately not surprising. The study found that the EPRA would result in: 

  • Over $800m in direct costs to producers 
  • $2-4 billion in additional costs to the NYS economy 
  • 4-6% increase in the cost of a “basket of goods” 
  • $36-$57 increase in monthly grocery bills for a family of four 
  • Disproportionate impacts on low-income families 

The research makes it clear: New York cannot afford the EPRA. This bill will drive employers out of New York, and the cost will ultimately be borne by low-income residents who can least afford it. 

The BNP will continue to highlight the many problems with this bill so Albany steers clear of passing it.

To learn more or contact your lawmakers about this bill, visit HERE. 

Related Posts

Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse Region Can Become America’s Semiconductor Superhighway

By growthzone | August 18, 2023

After years of relentless advocacy to bolster Upstate NY’s innovation and manufacturing industries, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins announced the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region have joined forces with a proposal to become a federally-designated Tech Hub in the first-of-its-kind nationwide competition created in his CHIPS & Science Bill.

How the U.S. Is Closing the Door to Top Talent

By growthzone | August 17, 2023

The BNP organized a Capital Conversations event as part of our Government Affairs series to examine the workings of the H-1B program and explore potential reforms that could strengthen our regional economy.

ECIDA Creates New MWBE Incentive

By growthzone | May 4, 2023

The Erie County Industrial Development Agency recently approved a new incentive for MWBE subcontractor utilization, known as the Economic Inclusion Program.

Comptroller: “Duplication” in State Workforce Efforts

By growthzone | June 2, 2022

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recently released a report assessing the state Department of Labor’s workforce development efforts. The report found significant overlap, duplication, gaps, and fragmentation in state workforce development programs and services. The audit found that New York offers over 500 workforce development programs and services, administered