NWRA’s Riley Recognized as One of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2020

Arlington, VA – The Hill newspaper released its annual list of Washington, D.C.’s top lobbyists today, naming National Waste & Recycling Association’s (NWRA) Chief Counsel & Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Jim Riley to its 2020 list for the second year in a row.

The Hill writes, “2020 was a chaotic year for K Street, with the coronavirus pandemic and lobbying battles for COVID-19 relief legislation consuming much of the year. The presidential and congressional elections also kept lobbyists busy while they tried to find ways to network under the new normal of virtual work.

“In a busy and challenging year for the influence world, these are the people who wielded their clout and knowledge most effectively for their clients.

“The list highlights the broad range of talents needed to achieve success in the influence industry. But all of the people below are key players on K Street — and the ones the nation’s biggest companies, labor unions and associations turn to when they want their voices heard in the nation’s capital.

“The ranks of policy experts and influencers run deep in Washington, but these are the people who stand out for delivering results for their clients in the halls of Congress and in the administration.”

Riley was recognized for his successful efforts on behalf of the waste and recycling industry to be designated by the Department of Homeland Security as part of the “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) guidance in five separate categories; working to get the industry priority access to personal protective equipment (PPE) due to its limited availability as a result of panic buying by the public; successfully lobbying to have House and Senate legislation introduced to permit recipients of forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans to use those funds for waste and recycling collection services; advancing the cause of suspending the Federal Excise Tax on heavy vehicles to help spur manufacturing and sales during pandemic; and engaging in over 200 virtual meetings with congressional staff and Members of Congress advocating for the waste and recycling industry on these COVID-19 issues.

NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith stated, “over the past three years, NWRA has spent extensive time and resources in hiring the absolute best talent in the government relations arena. Jim’s recognition by The Hill is well-deserved and we are proud of his efforts on behalf of the industry”.

The Hill, described as providing “nonpartisan reporting on the inner workings of Congress and the nexus of politics and business,” is mailed directly to all congressional offices and widely distributed around Capitol Hill as well as throughout downtown Washington, D.C.

Since 2018, NWRA has been recognized with eight total national awards for individuals and the association at-large

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ABOUT NWRA

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.