Why it matters

The waste solutions company continues its multi-year federal advocacy push. Brightmark has now spent $1.375 million on lobbying since 2019. The company operates at the intersection of manufacturing, energy, and environmental policy.

By the numbers

Q3 2025 spending: $60,000 to Dentons US LLP

Total lobbying expenditures since 2019: $1.375 million across 38 disclosures

Previous firms:

Broader context

Congress is actively debating legislation on recycling infrastructure and plastic waste. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing titled “Beyond the Blue Bin: Forging a Federal Landscape for Recycling Innovation and Economic Growth“. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced the bipartisan STEWARD Act (S. 351). Renewable natural gas enjoys bipartisan support as a domestically produced fuel source.

The agenda

Brightmark focuses on three main policy areas: Advanced plastics recycling regulations and the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act, renewable natural gas support through anaerobic digestion and permitting reform, and tax incentives like Production Tax Credits and Investment Tax Credits for clean energy projects.

Competitive landscape

Major waste management companies are heavily engaged in similar lobbying efforts. Waste Management Inc. and Republic Services Inc. lobby on circular economy policy and RNG. Occidental Petroleum Corp. includes advanced recycling in its lobbying portfolio. Consumer brands like S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. advocate on plastics policy.

Between the lines

Bipartisan lawmakers launched the CIRCLE Act, proposing 30% investment tax credits for recycling infrastructure. The Congressional Recycling Caucus relaunched with renewed focus. Rep. Dan Crenshaw publicly advocated for advanced recycling. The Financing Our Energy Future Act (H.R.2545) aims to expand tax treatment for renewable energy projects. However, Republicans actively sought to overturn EPA’s methane emissions charge through H.J. Res. 35.

The bottom line

Brightmark’s sustained lobbying investment positions it to influence key policy discussions. The company benefits from bipartisan interest in circular economy solutions.

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All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!

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