Merkley, Warren, Wyden, Sanders urge ambitious action to combat plastic pollution

The Senators’ letter highlights the clear and present threat plastic pollution poses to public health, national security, and the future of the planet, and calls for an ambitious approach to the negotiations and bold leadership from the United States. “Without immediate, bold action, it is a threat that will only continue to grow,” wrote the senators. “[The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee's first session] is a unique opportunity for people all across the globe to work together towards a shared goal of protecting our planet on behalf of future generations.” The senators note how this first session of negotiations will set the stage for future discussions, with many nations looking to the United States for leadership to combat this global plastics crisis, and will spotlight the importance of reducing plastic pollution at the source. The Senators write that with strong U.S. leadership and interest in plastic pollution, more countries will be pushed and encouraged to enact similar stances in their own countries. The senators highlight the crucial need for a global agreement in order to effectively and efficiently combat the plastic pollution crisis, including supporting better working conditions for waste pickers and environmental justice throughout the plastics lifecycle.