Biden Administration to Phase Out Single-Use Plastics in Federal Buildings

New initiative aims to reduce plastic pollution and its environmental impact by 2035, with exceptions for national security.

Plan includes eliminating plastic cutlery, cups, straws, and bags from federal agencies by 2027 and all operations by 2035.
The administration highlights the disproportionate impact of plastic pollution on communities with environmental justice concerns.
Republican lawmakers criticize the initiative as impractical and ill-timed given other national issues.
The White House defends the move as essential for public health, biodiversity, and combating climate change.
Exceptions are made for national security needs to protect intelligence sources and undercover operations.