Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) formally requested that the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality postpone the implementation of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) by one year, moving the effective date from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. In a letter submitted to state officials, NAW cited significant confusion and a high volume of unanswered questions from impacted businesses as justification for the delay.

“Oregon’s recycling law will have far-reaching consequences for distributors nationwide who sell and distribute products into the state,” said Brian Wild, Chief Government Relations Officer at NAW. “Moving forward with enforcement while key questions remain unanswered is irresponsible. Distributors operate on extremely tight margins, and the threat of over-reporting to avoid penalties could force companies to make tough decisions, including staff reductions. At this late date, there are more questions than answers, Oregon should delay implementation to give regulators time to provide the clarity needed to comply without jeopardizing jobs or business operations.”

About NAW
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Founded in 1946, NAW comprises national, regional, and state employers of all sizes, industry trade associations, partners, and stakeholders spanning all distribution sectors. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States, accounting for 1/3 of the U.S. GDP. Learn more at www.naw.org.

Media Contact: Meghan Cieslak, [email protected]/202-263-4081.