The Biden-Harris administration has introduced a strategic initiative to combat plastic pollution, focusing on the entire life cycle of plastics from production to disposal. The plan is detailed in a document published on July 19, 2024, and aims to “reduce the impact of plastic pollution throughout the plastic lifecycle and calls for sustained and coordinated work with state, local, Tribal, and Territorial governments, local communities, the private sector, and other stakeholders to address the scale and breadth of the plastic pollution challenge” (FPF reported).
The report, “Mobilizing federal action on plastic pollution: Progress, principles, and priorities”, marks the first time the U.S. federal government has recognized the severity of plastic pollution and the extensive response that is required to combat it. The strategy combines existing and new measures to tackle the plastic problem.
One key aspect of this initiative is the reduction of plastic procurement by federal agencies. Targets include eliminating single-use plastics in federal food service operations by 2027 and in all federal operations by 2035, by prioritizing reusable, compostable, and recyclable products in food service. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to invest $275 million to improve reuse, composting, and recycling infrastructure (FPF reported).
The document also acknowledges the negative environmental and human health impacts of chemicals of concern used during the production of plastics and looks to “improve the public’s understanding of releases associated with plastics production” (FPF reported).
The strategy comes before the last round of negotiations for a global plastics treaty taking place on November 25 – December 1, 2024, in Busan, Republic of Korea (FPF reported). The U.S. has previously been criticized for its lack of initiative in the negotiations, as it is not part of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution.
References
White House (July 19, 2024). “FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Releases New Strategy to Tackle Plastic Pollution, Takes Action to Reduce Single-Use Plastics in Federal Operations.”
White House (July 19, 2024). “Mobilizing federal action on plastic pollution: Progress, principles, and priorities.”
Read more
Brian Bienkowski (July 22, 2024). “Biden administration unveils plan to wean US government off single-use plastics.” Environmental Health News
Valerie Volcovici (July 22, 2024). “US to phase out single-use plastic from federal operations.” Reuters
Kelly Franklin (July 25, 2024). “White House outlines chemical objectives in plastic pollution strategy.” Chemical Watch News & Insight
