Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young, Jim Risch, and a group of Republican colleagues have formally requested President Biden to reconsider the administration's support for potential constraints on U.S. manufacturing and the development of international target lists identifying chemicals and plastic products for prohibition in a proposed plastics treaty.

The senators expressed concern over the administration's stance, stating: "It is unfortunate the administration appears to have succumbed to pressure from extremist environmental activists and now supports constraints on manufacturing and the development of target lists that identify chemicals and plastic products to be banned around the world in the potential treaty."

They further highlighted that during negotiations, "the United States positioned itself to broker an agreement that not only seizes upon a historic opportunity to end plastic pollution in the environment but one that also bolsters American manufacturing by supporting innovative new product designs and recycling technologies." The senators cautioned that any policy change could undermine years of collaboration aimed at crafting a treaty that ends plastic pollution while fostering innovation.

Emphasizing U.S. leadership in addressing plastic pollution, they warned: "A treaty that fails to gain the support of two-thirds of the Senate will embolden countries like China who leak significant amounts of plastic waste into the environment." They insisted that any agreement negatively impacting American manufacturing or raising costs for consumers would not receive Senate approval.

In addition to Senators Young and Risch, signatories included Dan Sullivan, Shelley Moore Capito, Ted Cruz, Pete Ricketts, Kevin Cramer, Mike Crapo, Bill Cassidy, John Boozman, Ted Budd, Marsha Blackburn, Markwayne Mullin, John Kennedy, John Cornyn, John Barrasso, Thom Tillis, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Wicker, and Lindsey Graham.

The letter underscores concerns about changes in U.S. negotiating positions as talks at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) reach their final phase. The senators urge continued negotiation towards a treaty aligned with U.S. interests that could hold other countries accountable for addressing plastic pollution without imposing restrictive production limits or product bans.

They argue for a treaty informed by science that remains adaptable to scientific advancements while ensuring competitiveness within U.S. industries. The letter concludes with a call for diplomacy focused on achieving a global agreement aimed at eliminating plastic pollution without compromising American economic interests.