Youngkin's executive order promotes recycling but repeals phase-out of single-use plastics at state agencies

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin Thursday signed an executive order designed to promote recycling, waste reduction, and the creation of clean technology companies. Executive Order No. 17 also repealed an order from former Gov. Ralph Northam that would have phased out single-use plastics at public agencies and institutions.

Youngkin’s order also calls for establishments such as food manufacturers, grocery retailers and schools, to determine the appropriate strategies to reduce food waste.

“Too often in the past, Virginia has been presented with a false choice between saving our environment and growing our economy. The growing market for post-consumer recyclables demonstrates that we can do both,” Youngkin said. “We need to bridge that disconnect to better conserve our natural resources, reduce waste that goes out to landfills and promote new clean energy jobs here in Virginia. We should be focusing our resources and energy on providing a cleaner supply of recyclable materials.”

The move didn’t sit well with at least one environmental group, though.

In a statement, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Director Kate West blasted the move, calling it “a clear step in the wrong direction that will result in irreversible damage.”

West wrote that by repealing Northam’s order, Youngkin’s “promotes the false promise of recycling to reduce plastic waste. This technology has proven to be ineffective at reducing waste or preventing plastic pollution.

“The notion that recycling is a sustainable solution is a false promise promoted by polluters. Only a tiny fraction of the plastic created is recycled, with most becoming litter and plastic pollution in our waterways and landfills that disproportionately impact the health of vulnerable communities.”

West’s statement accused Youngkin of caring “more about lining the pockets of polluters than protecting the health of our communities.”