United States
Maryland has enacted the Packaging and Paper Products – Producer Responsibility Plans Act, making it the sixth U.S. state to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation for packaging. This law requires producers to fund and manage recycling systems, promoting a circular economy.
Smart Cities Summit North America 2025
Held in San Francisco, the summit brought together global leaders to discuss building smarter, more human-centered cities, emphasizing dignity, cultural identity, and collaborative innovation.
Canada
Accelerated Energy Project Approvals
Canada’s new Natural Resources Minister, Tim Hodgson, announced plans to expedite permitting processes for major energy projects, aiming for two-year decision timelines. This initiative seeks to enhance Canada’s leadership in both conventional and clean energy sectors.
Federal Investment in Waste Reduction
The Canadian government invested over $3.3 million to support organizations developing innovative solutions to reduce plastic and textile waste, promoting a circular economy.
Micromobility Recycling Partnership
Lime partnered with Cyclic Materials to recycle rare earth magnets from retired e-bike and scooter motors, marking North America’s first large-scale initiative of this kind. Facilities in Arizona and Ontario will service this effort.
Mexico
Updated Climate Strategy
Mexico has updated its National Climate Change Strategy, aiming to reduce 140 million tons of CO₂ emissions by 2030. The plan includes investments in renewable energy, reforestation, circular economy initiatives, and the decarbonization of the electricity system.
National Development Plan 2025–2030
The plan incorporates strategies to promote the circular economy, improve waste management, and modernize wastewater treatment and reuse infrastructure.
Expansion of Passenger Rail Network
President Claudia Sheinbaum committed to expanding Mexico’s passenger rail network, including the inauguration of the final sections of the Tren Maya and plans to construct approximately 3,000 kilometers of new rail lines.