Why the oil industry and green groups are fighting over chemical recycling

Oil and chemical companies are investing in chemical recycling, aided by favorable laws passed primarily by GOP-controlled state legislatures. These companies say the technology can help address the country’s plastics crisis by increasing recycling rates and reducing the amount of waste dumped into landfills and polluting the world’s waterways. But environmental groups argue that the pollutants released by the process could be dangerous enough to negate any potential benefits. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down the pros and cons of chemical recycling. Plus, the Biden administration is set to start refilling Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO. Jordan Wolman is a sustainability reporter for POLITICO. Nirmal Mulaikal is a POLITICO audio host-producer. Raghu Manavalan is a senior editor for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the executive producer of POLITICO’s audio department.