US Pushes 180-Nation Plastics Treaty Loophole to Dodge Production Curbs
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 24
US Pushes 180-Nation Plastics Treaty Loophole to Dodge Production Curbs
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 24
Summary
A leaked U.S. diplomatic memo shows Washington is pressing for a broad national-security exemption that would let countries sidestep limits on plastic production in the U.N. treaty talks.
The proposal argues curbs on plastics and chemicals could threaten military readiness, critical infrastructure and supply chains, while the State Department says it wants a pact all countries can join without harming the economy.
Nearly 180 countries are negotiating as plastic pollution exceeds 57 million tons a year, but Norway and legal experts say the U.S. position would weaken the treaty and protect petrochemical interests more than defense needs.
The push comes after last year's failed Geneva conference and alongside a new chair's draft criticized for favoring national pledges over binding global controls, with delegates due in Bangkok in late September to seek compromise language.