Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY)
Recycled Materials Attribution Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 5 Democratic cosponsors · See all 13 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 0.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Recycled Materials Attribution Act of 2026 aims to prohibit people from making misleading claims about recycled content when advertising or selling products to consumers. It establishes specific definitions for terms like "recycled," "recycled content," and "mass balance accounting." The bill recognizes mass balance accounting as an acceptable way to substantiate these claims, provided it follows a third-party certification system. The Federal Trade Commission is tasked with updating its "Green Guides" to reflect these new standards. Enforcement of these prohibitions will be handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Finally, the Act preempts state laws regarding these specific prohibitions and enforcement provisions.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +7
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
Prohibits misleading recycled content claims to protect consumers from deception.
- Scored +5
Does this give the federal government more power?
Grants the FTC authority to set and enforce national standards for recycled content claims.
- Scored +4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
Reduces 'greenwashing' by prohibiting misleading environmental claims.
The opposite
- Scored -7
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
Expressly preempts state and local laws regarding the prohibition and enforcement of recycled content claims.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection from Misleading Marketing: The bill prohibits any person from using a misleading recycled content claim when advertising, marketing, or selling a product to a consumer (Section 4(a)(1)).
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Clarification of Standards: The Federal Trade Commission is required to update the "Green Guides" to ensure they are consistent with the definitions and standards established by this Act (Section 4(b)(1)).
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Standardized Substantiation Methods: The Act recognizes "mass balance accounting" as an acceptable method for proving recycled content claims, as long as it complies with a third-party certification system (Section 3).
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Establishment of Clear Frameworks: The Commission is directed to create a clear and consistent framework so people know how to advertise or sell products using accurate recycled content claims (Section 4(b)(2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Fuel Marketing: Fuels produced and sold as an end product are prohibited from being marketed as "recycled content" under this Act (Section 4(a)(2)).
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Limitation of State Authority: No State or political subdivision may maintain or enforce any law or regulation that relates to the prohibition and enforcement provisions found in this Act (Section 6).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Prohibits misleading recycled content claims to protect consumers from deception.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Reduces 'greenwashing' by prohibiting misleading environmental claims. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Encourages legitimate recycling practices by standardizing claims, which supports circular economy goals.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Provides a clear, uniform federal framework and allows mass balance accounting for claims.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — Grants the FTC authority to set and enforce national standards for recycled content claims. Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — Creates uniform federal standards for recycled content claims, reducing state-by-state regulatory friction. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — Expressly preempts state and local laws regarding the prohibition and enforcement of recycled content claims.
- 9/16/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 28 - 0.
- 9/1/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/3/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/11/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
- 9 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Troy BaldersonRepublican · Ohio
Henry CuellarDemocrat · Texas
Dan CrenshawRepublican · Texas
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Vicente GonzalezDemocrat · Texas
Jeff HurdRepublican · Colorado
Jonathan JacksonDemocrat · Illinois
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Addison McDowellRepublican · North Carolina
August PflugerRepublican · Texas
Marc VeaseyDemocrat · Texas
Randy WeberRepublican · Texas