As a supplement to our report, Existing U.S. Federal Authorities to Address Plastic Pollution: A Synopsis for Decision Makers, this report offers a concise review of the instruments through which the United States can negotiate and conclude international agreements. The report then describes how existing U.S. domestic law and international obligations/precedent may align with and support three key provisions under negotiation for the Global Plastics Agreement. Only when the text of the Global Plastics Agreement is finalized can it be determined whether existing U.S. law authorizes the instrument’s provisions or whether new legislation would be required to authorize and implement the provisions of the agreement. However, the purpose of this analysis is to offer insight into existing U.S. domestic and international obligations ahead of the fifth round of negotiations for the Global Plastics Agreement.
As the report is a non-exhaustive review of domestic authorities and international obligations and precedents, we welcome expert feedback for an anticipated update. Please submit relevant information here.