Assemblyman Burke Proposes Comprehensive Plan Addressing Single-Use Plastics
It is no secret that single-use plastics, such as styrofoam, are pervasive in our society and that they poison and pollute our waterways. The governor’s proposal to ban the distribution and use of Styrofoam food containers and packing peanuts is a well-intentioned measure to reduce the environmental impact of these plastics, but I do not believe it is the appropriate approach.
If we’re serious about addressing plastic pollution in all its forms, we need comprehensive action rather than a piecemeal approach. Earlier this year, I introduced a bill to establish a commission tasked with crafting a framework for eliminating all single-use plastics in a thorough and structured manner (A.8445). I’ll continue fighting for this legislation because a more holistic solution is the best way to protect our natural resources – and our future.
Throughout my career, I have worked to reduce pollution in our communities and secure additional environmental protections. In addition to my legislation to eliminate single-use plastics through comprehensive action, I have introduced a bill to create a Lake Erie Bill of Rights (A.6313), which would allow citizens to sue on the lake’s behalf if it’s in danger of significant environmental harm, and as an Erie County legislator, I authored and passed the first comprehensive plastic microbeads ban in the nation, prohibiting their use in cosmetic products to prevent them from getting into our waterways.[1]
Protecting our waterways – the plants and animals that inhabit them, and the humans, plants and animals on their shores – will always be a top priority of mine. We can no longer afford to move one small step at a time. We need to make big, bold changes if we want to secure a future for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren.
In addition to passing legislation, I have the ability to hold polluters accountable through my position as Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of the Department of Environmental Conservation. I have the power to help ensure New York is investing proper funding into protecting residents’ access to clean air and water, assess New York’s existing environmental programs, and conduct hearings on the use of state funds to address environmental concerns.
In 2019, the legislature passed the boldest climate change legislation in the nation, but if we don’t act on plastics, we will continue the detrimental cycle of dominance by polluters. I am calling on the governor and my fellow state legislators to support my legislation to help eliminate single-use plastics responsibly, expand environmental protections, and have the courage to make the structural changes that will protect our families and the environment from the dire consequences of climate change.