The 2024 U.S. presidential election may impact how the country tackles the global plastic pollution crisis, though a divided Congress could limit progress.
James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Plastic pollution is a growing environmental and health issue, with toxic chemicals leaching from plastics into food and ecosystems.
- Two competing bills in Congress—one backed by the chemical industry, the other by environmental advocates—could reshape U.S. plastics policy.
- U.S. participation in a global treaty on plastics hinges on the next administration’s stance, with negotiations continuing into 2025.
Key quote:
“This is a growing problem, and we need our elected leaders on the national level, the president and Congress, to take action to reduce the production of unnecessary single-use plastics.”
— Christy Leavitt, plastics campaign director for Oceana
Why this matters:
Plastic production is expected to triple by 2050, posing severe risks to public health and the environment. Policy decisions made now will shape efforts to curb pollution and ensure a sustainable future.
Related EHN coverage: Environmental toll of plastics
