The report, Existing U.S. Federal Authorities to Address Plastic Pollution: A Synopsis for Decision Makers, provides policymakers with a comprehensive analysis of how existing federal law may be utilized to address the plastic pollution crisis. The report summarizes federal statutes and regulations addressing plastic pollution and potential regulatory actions the government could consider based on its statutory authority. The report is a valuable resource for policymakers, industry representatives, and advocates looking to better understand the current plastic regulatory environment at the federal level and to anticipate its future development.
Since the completion of the report's first draft in March 2024, there have been several developments in federal plastic policy. Most notable of these was the July 2024 release of a report from the Interagency Policy Committee on Plastic Pollution and a Circular Economy, Mobilizing Federal Action On Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles, and Priorities (hereinafter the "IPC Report"). The IPC Report details the plastic pollution mitigation actions federal agencies are currently taking. This update to ELI's plastics report incorporates the authorities and policies mentioned in the IPC Report and makes additional updates based on feedback from the first draft.
Read the report highlights here.