Niagara Leader

New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, alongside Senator Dan Stec, Ranking Member of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, Senator Pam Helming, and members of the Senate Republican Conference, voiced opposition today to the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S4246-B). They argue that this mandate on businesses will result in higher costs for consumers.

The bill would require businesses to register with a packaging reduction organization and adhere to strict timelines for eliminating certain packaging materials. Critics claim it will increase business costs, potentially leading to job losses and prompting businesses to relocate out of state. They also predict it will elevate consumer prices amid an already struggling economy and record high outmigration rates.

"This is the latest bill under the guise of helping the environment that will further drive up the cost of doing business, force businesses to close their doors or move to another state, and drive up the costs of consumer goods for struggling New Yorkers while having very little beneficial environmental impact. We cannot continue down the road of crushing mandates that harm our businesses while leading to higher costs for New Yorkers – enough is enough," said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

Senator Dan Stec echoed these sentiments: "The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act legislation pushed by Democrat leaders isn’t just impractical; it’s a devastating blow to small businesses across our state. These heavy-handed, unwieldy mandates cost nearly $1 billion to implement and would lead to massive job loss, increased consumer costs and possibly certain essential products no longer being sold in New York. Improving our state’s low recycling rates is important, but this legislation fails to do that and will only cause more harm to our already lagging economy."

Senator Pam Helming highlighted potential impacts on major employers in her district: "This is a mandate that would impact major employers in my district, including food and beverage manufacturers, as well as packaging and printing companies throughout Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. With the high cost of living and doing business in New York, why are we considering yet another mandate that could drive more investment, jobs, and families out of our state? We must take steps to protect our environment, expand recycling and reduce waste. But we need realistic solutions with practical timelines. This bill is not a reasonable solution."

A recent Consumer Cost Study conducted by the Business Council of New York State indicated consumers could face a $1 billion annual cost increase over five years due to this legislation. This equates to an additional $720 per household at a time when inflation rates are high.

"This is the latest unrealistic ‘climate’ proposal that will make it more difficult to do business here in New York," concluded Senator Ortt. "It will continue driving up costs for consumers who are already struggling to get by while encouraging even more New Yorkers to leave the state in search of more affordability and opportunity elsewhere."