This past November, GMA hosted an Executive Leadership Training webinar, Leading Through Legislation: Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility. The webinar broke down what EPR could mean for your organization and how you can proactively prepare for its wide-ranging effects on supply chains, pricing structures, and compliance requirements.
Tackling policy challenges like this is the driver behind GMA’s strategy of forming strong alliances in Washington, and we’re proud to stand with the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW). NAW has taken a leadership stance on EPR as this policy impacts multiple product lines across the distribution industry, allowing them to have the strongest voice and representation. NAW’s Legal Policy Center (LPC) filed a lawsuit in federal court in Oregon, the first state in the country that began implementation on July 1, 2025. NAW sent a letter to the state requesting a one-year delay of the July 1, 2025 effective date or at a minimum, enforcement of the EPR law. Their request was denied by the state of Oregon, and manufacturers and distributors still have questions about how the law applies to their business and what fees will be charged on the “producer”.
The fight against EPR requires significant resources. NAW is building a coalition of manufacturers and distributors across product lines to strengthen their legal and advocacy efforts, and they need help. It would be to GMA members' benefit to support NAW’s legal action financially— not only to protect your company’s bottom line, but to defend the future of our industry. The more we stand together, the more effective we will be in shaping rational, business-friendly policies.
Attached is an overview of NAW’s EPR litigation strategy, which includes some additional background information on their Legal Policy Center and some of the impactful work they have done over the past two years. GMA encourages you to consider supporting NAW’s litigation efforts. If you would like to learn more about this issue and how you can both support the litigation and stay informed on a rapidly-changing issue, NAW Executive Team member Dan Schuberth would be happy to talk with you directly. Send an email to dschuberth@naw.org.