Calls on Federal Government to Prioritize Timely Completion of its Study of Recycled Rubber Infill and Play Surfaces
(Washington, DC) – Today, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (“ISRI”) applauded the Council of State Governments’ (“CSG”) unanimous approval of a resolution noting that scientific evidence should be paramount when assessing recycled rubber play surfaces. The resolution was presented to the CSG Energy & Environment Committee by Minnesota State Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona), in the context of recent debate surrounding the use of recycled rubber – especially given unsubstantiated reports regarding health concerns.
The resolution, entitled, “Resolution on Utilizing Science-Based Evidence Related to the issue of Installation of Artificial Turf Athletic Fields Made of Recycled Rubber Infill”, called for science to take precedence over conjecture in assessing recycled rubber, and for the timely completion of the federal multi-agency study that is currently underway.
“ISRI strongly supports and applauds the passage of this resolution, which will undoubtedly raise awareness among state legislators around the unsubstantiated nature of current claims made in the debate over recycled rubber,” said ReMA President Robin Wiener. “There are currently more than 90 peer-reviewed scientific studies demonstrating there is no increased health risk to athletes playing on artificial turf containing recycled rubber, without credible evidence to the contrary, and it is critical that this reality be made widely known to policymakers.”
Miller added, “As a parent and a legislator, creating a safe environment for our children to play in is a top priority. Recycling tires cleans up and preserves the environment for current and future generations. As we encourage children to take part in healthy activities and exercise more, the material from these recycled tires is a source for safe, accessible turf. Credible science has demonstrated this time and time again. It is imperative that fellow state and local lawmakers carefully review the facts when making any key decisions regarding our children and jumping to conclusions not supported by science.”
The CSG committee unanimously approved the resolution following brief discussion on the issue and was endorsed by the CSG Executive Committee.
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The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the "Voice of the Recycling Industry™." ReMA represents more than 1,100 companies in 21 chapters in the U.S. and 35 countries that process, broker, and consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics, and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute provides education, advocacy, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development. Generating nearly $117 billion annually in U.S. economic activity, the scrap recycling industry provides nearly half a million Americans with good jobs.