State Representative Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) recently attended the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) Plastics Learning Summit in Chicago. The event brought together lawmakers, scientists, environmental advocates, and policy experts from across the country to discuss ways to reduce plastic pollution, improve recycling systems, and protect communities from toxic chemical exposure.
“Georgia must be forward-thinking about plastics, chemicals and the health of our communities,” said Rep. Carter. “Georgia families deserve clean water, safe communities and a recycling system they can trust. This summit gave us an opportunity to dig deeper into how plastics and toxic chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are impacting the health of our people, our waterways and our economy. I was honored to represent Georgia and bring our voice to a national conversation about environmental justice, innovation and accountability.”
The summit focused on all stages of plastics use—production, consumption, disposal—and examined their effects on community health. Rep. Carter noted that Georgia has one of the strongest recycling markets in the nation but lacks comprehensive statewide policy on single-use plastics. She pointed out that microplastics have been found in state rivers and PFAS detected in drinking water systems.
“Georgia is home to one of the strongest recycling markets in the nation,” added Rep. Carter. “However, we still lack statewide policy on single-use plastics, and communities across the state are already seeing microplastics in our rivers and PFAS in drinking water systems. We can no longer afford to address these issues piecemeal. This is about protecting public health and ensuring long-term environmental and economic resilience.”
At the summit, Rep. Carter discussed with peers from other states about policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility programs, recycled-content standards, PFAS regulations, and reuse/refill systems designed to cut waste and lower municipal costs.
“Communities of color and low-income neighborhoods are disproportionately impacted by pollution, petrochemical facilities and contaminated water systems,” said Rep. Carter. “As legislators, we have a responsibility to make sure every child, every senior and every family has equal access to clean air, clean water and a healthy environment.”
The event also addressed how environmental justice should be central in developing policies around plastics and chemicals—an approach Rep. Carter wants for Georgia as well. She serves on several committees including Agriculture & Consumer Affairs; Small Business; Economic Development; Education; and Code Revision.
“The solutions are within reach,” concluded Rep. Carter. “We can modernize recycling through producer responsibility, strengthen protections for our waterways, support local government innovation and hold polluters—not taxpayers—accountable for cleanup. Georgians deserve that level of leadership.”
Rep. Carter plans to share what she learned at the summit with fellow legislators, local officials, and environmental partners as she looks at potential policy initiatives during Georgia’s upcoming legislative session.
NCEL describes itself as a nonpartisan network of state lawmakers working for environmental protection nationwide through research sharing best practices.
Burns was elected as a Republican representative for Georgia’s 159th House District in 2005 after Ray Holland held the seat previously.
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