Overview

• Donald Trump stated he will sign an executive order next week reversing a Biden-era initiative to phase out single-use plastics, including straws, across federal departments by 2035.
• The Biden administration aimed to reduce plastic waste due to its environmental impact, citing pollution in oceans and harm to public health as key concerns.
• Trump criticized paper straws as impractical, referencing studies that found paper straws often contain harmful 'forever chemicals' like PFAS.
• Environmental advocates argue that single-use plastics contribute significantly to pollution, while Trump’s move is seen as favoring the plastics and fossil fuel industries.
• Several states, including California and New York, maintain restrictions on plastic straws, meaning the executive order may have limited impact in those areas.