What would a Harris presidency mean for the plastics crisis?

Among the reasons Republicans believe Vice President Kamala Harris is unsuitable for the highest office in the country is her stance on plastic straws, as stated by Jason Miller, a senior adviser to former President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign. While some may dismiss this as trivial, the plastic pollution crisis is a significant issue, with millions of metric tons of plastic produced globally each year. Recent polls show significant support for government action to address the problem, and Harris has shown a willingness to tackle plastic pollution through her support of legislation like the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020. Experts believe that Harris has the credentials and know-how to challenge plastic pollution as president and hold polluters accountable. Additionally, her past actions as California’s attorney general suggest a commitment to addressing environmental issues related to plastics. A potential Harris administration could build on progress made under the Biden administration in addressing the plastic pollution crisis.Environmental advocates are optimistic that Harris will prioritize addressing the plastic pollution crisis, especially given her background and record as California’s attorney general. The Biden-Harris administration has also shown a commitment to tackling plastic pollution by setting targets to phase out government procurement of single-use plastics and addressing environmental justice issues caused by plastic production facilities. In contrast, experts warn that a second Trump administration would likely reverse progress on plastics policies and international agreements aimed at addressing the plastic pollution crisis. Overall, Harris’ track record and commitment to environmental issues suggest that a Harris presidency could signal positive steps towards addressing the plastics crisis.