Under the bright lights of the Oregon State Capitol, lawmakers gathered on March 20, 2025, to discuss a bill that could reshape the future of waste management in the state. House Bill 2960, sponsored by Representative Andrea Gamba and Senator Kayse Jama, aims to prohibit the establishment and operation of plastic conversion or depolymerization facilities across Oregon. This legislation seeks to address growing concerns about the environmental impact of technologies that alter the molecular structure of plastic waste.

At its core, House Bill 2960 is a response to the increasing prevalence of facilities that convert plastic into fuel or other products through various processes, including gasification and pyrolysis. Proponents argue that these technologies can provide a solution to the plastic waste crisis, potentially turning trash into energy. However, critics warn that such methods may not be as environmentally friendly as they appear, raising concerns about emissions and the long-term sustainability of relying on plastic as a resource.

The bill not only bans new facilities but also prohibits state agencies and local governments from offering incentives to any existing or future plastic conversion operations. This move has sparked a heated debate among lawmakers, environmentalists, and industry representatives. Supporters of the bill emphasize the need to prioritize recycling and reduction over conversion technologies, arguing that the latter could perpetuate a cycle of plastic production and waste.

Opposition to House Bill 2960 has emerged from those who believe that banning these facilities could hinder innovation and limit potential economic opportunities in the green technology sector. They argue that with proper regulations, conversion technologies could play a role in reducing plastic waste and generating energy.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, its implications extend beyond environmental concerns. Economically, the ban could impact jobs related to plastic conversion technologies, while socially, it raises questions about how communities will manage plastic waste in the absence of these facilities. Experts suggest that the bill could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues, potentially influencing national conversations about waste management and sustainability.

With the bill set to take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes, Oregon stands at a crossroads. The decision to embrace or reject plastic conversion technologies could define the state’s environmental policy for years to come, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for plastic waste management in the Beaver State.