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Trade Organizations Ready to Work With Trump AdministrationTrade Organizations Ready to Work With Trump Administration

Organization leaders are looking forward to working with the new administration as the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee recommends Lee Zeldin to the full Senate for confirmation as US EPA administrator.

David Hutton

January 23, 2025

3 Min Read
Lee Zeldin at Senate confirmation hearings
Former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Trump’s nominee to be administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, during his Senate Environment and Public Works confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on Jan. 16, 2025.Anna Moneymaker/Getty News Images

Donald J. Trump was sworn in for a second term as President of the United States on Jan. 20, 2025, with industry leaders, including the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), eager to collaborate with the new administration. 

In the wake of the inauguration, PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm said the organization looks forward to working with the new administration and Congress.

“PLASTICS extends our sincere congratulations to President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. 

Moreover, Seaholm noted that as  the eighth-largest U.S. manufacturing sector, “the plastics industry looks forward to collaborating with the new administration to promote policies that drive innovation, protect American manufacturing, and ensure sustainable solutions for the future.

“Our industry is committed to being a partner in advancing economic growth while achieving our shared sustainability goals,” he added.

PLASTICS leaders also look forward to working with the new administration and Congress on issues that are important to the plastics industry. 

“We are eager to work with the new administration as well as the 119th Congress on bipartisan solutions that strengthen the plastics and broader manufacturing sectors, secure domestic supply chains, and advance circular economy initiatives,” said PLASTICS Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Rager. “Together, we can achieve meaningful progress for the over one million workers employed by the plastics industry across America.”

Related:What a Trump Win Means for the Plastics Industry

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) said it is ready to get to work with the incoming administration to help make America the world’s manufacturing superpower.

“Americans want a stronger, more affordable country, and America’s chemical and plastics manufacturers can help. National defense, energy independence, modern healthcare, technology, innovation and a resilient supply chain all depend on chemistry,” said Chris Kahn, ACC president and CEO. “The $633 billion US chemical manufacturing industry, supporting nearly 25% of US GDP, is the driving force for everyday products that businesses and families rely on and help our nation win the global competition.”

Jahn added that the nation’s plastic manufacturers look forward to collaborating to reduce pollution and waste, boost the reuse and recycling of plastics, and to continue the billions of dollars invested by plastic makers to scale up a circular economy. 

“We will partner with the new administration and Congress to ensure smarter, pro-growth, more predictable regulatory processes— crucial for producing more at home,” Jahn said. 

PLASTICS and the ACC both may end up working with Lee Zeldin. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted 11 to 8 on Jan. 23 to recommend Zeldin to the full Senate for confirmation as US EPA administrator.

“The EPA should support policies and set rules that improve the environment while allowing innovators to grow the economy and protect the pocketbook of American families,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV, chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. “I believe that’s a win-win.”

During confirmation hearings earlier this month, Zeldin touched upon plastic pollution control initiatives, touting Save our Seas 2.0, a measure signed into law in 2020 during the first Trump administration. 

That law provides funding and backs initiatives for the removal and prevention of plastic pollution, particularly in the country’s waterways.

About the Author

David Hutton

David Hutton is a journalist with more than 25 years of experience as an editor and writer with daily newspapers and trade publications. 

A Kent State University graduate, he was born in Canton, Ohio, and is a lifelong writer. David started his professional career as a reporter and page designer with the Parkersburg Sentinel in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He returned to his hometown, taking a role with the Massillon Independent, where he rose to the position of managing editor.

David’s career next took him to October Research Corp., where he worked for trade publications in the real estate settlement services industry before returning to daily newspapers as news editor for The Times-Reporter in Dover-New Philadelphia, Ohio. While there, he oversaw design of the newspaper and won an Associated Press award for Best Page 1 Design. 

In 2012, David joined the staff of Plastics News as research analyst. He was responsible for the production of data research reports providing analysis of various segments and end markets of the plastics industry. He also produced content for the publication. 

In 2019, David joined Ophthalmology Times, serving as managing editor of the publication covering the latest advancements in the ophthalmology industry for physicians and clinicians. 

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