Recycling Technology Innovation Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6566

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-10: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-06-25T08:07:31Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Recycling Technology Innovation Act (H.R. 6566) aims to encourage advanced recycling technologies for plastics by amending the Clean Air Act. It seeks to exclude certain innovative units that process plastic waste from being classified as "solid waste incineration units," which are subject to strict environmental regulations. This promotes more efficient recycling methods while maintaining oversight for less effective processes.

Key Provisions

• Exclusion from Definition: Units that convert or transform plastic or post-use polymers (recycled materials) using processes like pyrolysis (heating without oxygen), gasification (converting to gas), depolymerization (breaking down into monomers), catalytic cracking (using catalysts to break bonds), solvolysis (using solvents), or chemolysis (chemical breakdown) are excluded from the "solid waste incineration unit" definition. To qualify, at least 50% of the output by mass must be "products," calculated via a method set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator through rulemaking.
• Petition Process: Owners or operators of similar units that do not automatically qualify can petition the EPA for exclusion. The EPA must:
• Make the full petition publicly available.
• Seek public comments.
• Approve or deny the petition within 180 days of receipt.
• Definition of "Product": A "product" is a usable material with consumer, commercial, or industrial applications that can be sold or used as input for manufacturing another item. It excludes energy forms (like electricity, heat, or steam) and waste residues (like soot, char, dust, or ash).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill modifies Section 129(g)(1) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7429(g)(1)), which currently defines "solid waste incineration unit" to include certain excluded activities (e.g., recovering metals or energy). It restructures the definition to add a new exclusion category for advanced plastic recycling technologies, expanding what qualifies as non-incineration.
• Introduces a formal petition mechanism, which did not previously exist for these specific recycling processes, allowing case-by-case exemptions.
• Requires the EPA to develop rules for calculating the 50% product output threshold, adding a new administrative layer to the law.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The EPA will face increased workload in processing petitions, issuing rules for mass calculations, and managing public comments, potentially requiring additional resources for transparency and timely decisions.
• Citizens and Industry: Could lower regulatory costs for recycling facilities, making advanced plastic processing more viable and potentially increasing recycling rates, which benefits consumers through more sustainable products and reduces landfill waste. However, it might slightly ease air emission controls for qualifying units.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could enhance U.S. competitiveness in global recycling markets by supporting innovation in waste management technologies.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Recycling and Manufacturing Industries: Owners and operators of plastic processing units benefit from reduced regulations, encouraging investment in green technologies.
• Environmental Groups and Regulators: May advocate for or challenge petitions to ensure air quality protections remain strong.
• General Public: Indirectly affected through potential improvements in plastic waste management and product availability.
• EPA: Directly responsible for implementation, petitions, and rulemaking.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens administrative flexibility under the Clean Air Act by adding a petition process, which could lead to litigation if denials are seen as arbitrary (e.g., under the Administrative Procedure Act). The 180-day deadline imposes enforceable timelines on the EPA, potentially limiting delays but risking rushed decisions.
• Constitutional: No direct challenges, as it aligns with Congress's authority to regulate environmental policy under the Commerce Clause.
• Political: Supports innovation and economic growth in the recycling sector, potentially appealing to pro-business interests, while balancing environmental goals. It may spark debates on whether exclusions weaken pollution controls, influencing future Clean Air Act amendments.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-10: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-12-10: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Recycling Technology Innovation Act — issued 2025-12-10 — PDF (4 pages)