At the end of May, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a long-time champion of the recycled materials industry, announced his upcoming retirement from the U.S. Senate. A co-founder of the Recycling Caucus in 2004, ISRI has worked with Carper and the caucus on many issues affecting the industry through his tenure in Congress.

Carper established the Senate Recycling Caucus with his colleague former Sen. Olympia Snow as a way to promote the benefits of recycling to the nation’s manufacturing supply chain, environment and natural resources. ISRI’s President Robin Wiener expressed her thanks and cooperative efforts over the years between ISRI and Carper.

Sen. Tom Carper, ISRI President Robin Wiener, and former ISRI Chair Brian Shine

“Sen. Carper has been a tireless advocate for recycling,” said Wiener. “When I approached him with the idea for the Recycling Caucus 20 years ago, he immediately jumped at it even though he was not a joiner of caucuses. He quickly recognized the importance of demonstrating leadership in an area few were paying attention to at the time. He is a true friend of recycling, and I will always be grateful personally and professionally for that friendship. From his Boy Scout days to his career as a U.S. senator, governor, congressman, and while serving his country in the U.S. Navy, he has served this country well and helped promote the importance and value of recycling in America.”

ISRI supports Carper’s bipartisan, landmark recycling bill the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act and the Recycling Infrastructure Investment Act.

ISRI Chief Lobbyist Billy Johnson has worked with Carper for many years and added, “Sen. Carper is a true believer in the power of recycling to improve the environment, grow the economy, create great jobs and conserve natural resources for future generations. He will leave a great legacy for the recycled materials industry that will continue to grow.”

Sen. Tom Carper and ISRI Chief Lobbyist Billy Johnson

Photo credit: ISRI