Why It Matters
This marks River Birch Renewable Energy LLC’s first-ever federal lobbying effort. The waste management company entered the lobbying arena in 2025 amid heated congressional debates over tire industry regulations. Their timing coincides with successful efforts to roll back EPA tire manufacturing rules.
By the Numbers
- Total 2025 spending: $150,000 across four quarterly filings
- Q3 2025 payment: $50,000 to Connick and Associates
- Lobbying team: James T. Connick as lead lobbyist
- Firm’s other clients: Plaquemines Parish, La. and St. Bernard Parish, La. ($240,000 combined in 2025)
Broader Context
Congress has been actively reshaping tire industry regulations this year. The EPA’s “National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing” rule faced strong opposition. Republican lawmakers successfully pushed to overturn the regulation. President Trump signed legislation rolling back the EPA rule.
The Agenda
River Birch is specifically lobbying on “Tire legislation” under waste management policy. The company hasn’t disclosed detailed legislative priorities in their filings. Their focus aligns with broader congressional activity around tire recycling and environmental regulations. As a waste-to-energy company, they likely have interests in tire disposal and resource recovery policies.
Competitive Landscape
Major tire industry players are heavily engaged in federal lobbying. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and Bridgestone Americas Inc. all lobby on tire recycling and environmental regulations. This suggests coordinated industry efforts to influence tire-related federal policy.
Between The Lines
Republican lawmakers led the charge against EPA tire regulations. Rep. Morgan Griffith, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, and Sen. Tom Cotton vocally opposed the manufacturing rule. The House Rules Committee held a hearing on January 30, 2025 on H.J. Res. 61. Congress also introduced pro-industry bills like the Resilient Tire Supply and Jobs Act and Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act of 2025. Meanwhile, the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act and STEWARD Act of 2025 aim to strengthen recycling infrastructure.
The Bottom Line
River Birch’s lobbying debut positions them in ongoing tire industry policy debates. Their waste management expertise could prove valuable as Congress balances environmental concerns with industry interests. The company’s Louisiana connections through Connick and Associates may help navigate federal appropriations discussions.
— All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!
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