WASHINGTON, DC, August 14, 2024 — Following a Reuters story announcing the Biden-Harris Administration’s shift to favor production reduction in the ongoing global plastics treaty negotiations, Rachel Radvany, Environmental Health Campaigner at the Center for International Environmental Law issued the following statement:
“We welcome the story that the United States is open to changing some of its positions ahead of the upcoming plastics treaty intersessional meeting in Bangkok. The story outlined proposals to support a reduction in plastic production, the development of a global list of chemicals that should be phased out, and setting global criteria to identify ‘avoidable plastic products’ to phase out.
“If the US’s shift holds, it represents a significant step forward, aligning with the recent White House interagency report and President Biden’s commitment to reduce the global production and consumption of primary plastic polymers in the context of the plastics treaty. It will align the US’ position with scientific evidence highlighting the need to stop unsustainable growth and reduce production to achieve climate goals.
“CIEL now calls upon the United States government to publicly articulate its support for these measures, particularly on reducing plastic production and creating global lists of chemicals for phase out. Offering statements from anonymous sources and in closed-door sessions is not enough. We need to see the United States have the courage to make public commitments, on the record, and take actions that demonstrate that these promises are more than just rhetoric.
“If the United States remains true to its word, this shift in positions will help ensure that countries can deliver a meaningful treaty that fulfills the mandate given by UNEA Resolution 5/14. Environmental advocates have been asking for these bold, progressive positions for a long time, and we will continue to support them as they are translated into policy proposals. We’re ready, let’s go.”
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Media contact: Cate Bonacini, press@ciel.org, +1-510-520-9109