In a significant policy shift, the Biden administration announced it will now back plastic production limits in ongoing United Nations treaty negotiations, breaking from its previous focus on recycling efforts.
Joseph Winters reports for Grist.
In short:
- The Biden administration has reversed its position and will now support restrictions on plastic production as part of a U.N. global plastics treaty.
- Industry groups, like the American Chemistry Council, have criticized the move, claiming it will harm the economy and job market.
- Environmental groups welcome the decision, seeing it as a critical step toward reducing plastic pollution and global warming.
Key quote:
“The U.S. position has been one of the great unknowns and they have the power to be a constructive and collaborative player, so it’s a relief to see them setting out of their stall at this critical moment.”
— Christina Dixon, ocean campaign leader, Environmental Investigation Agency
Why this matters:
Plastic production is a major contributor to climate change, and limiting it is essential to reducing environmental harm. The U.S.'s new stance could influence other countries to support more stringent global plastic regulations.
