House Passes Measure to Block Biden’s Proposed Plastic Straws Ban
The House has passed a measure opposing the Biden administration’s proposed plastic straws ban, embedded in a broader spending bill, which may encounter challenges in the Senate. (Photo: latimes)
House Passes Controversial Plastic Straws Ban Amendment in Spending Bill
According to source, the House has passed a measure aimed at blocking the Biden administration’s proposed plastic straws ban. This measure, embedded within a larger spending bill, may face challenges in the Senate. The bill, which allocates $34.8 billion to fund various agencies, including the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, includes an amendment by Rep. John Rose (R-TN) aimed at preventing the plastic straws ban in public lands and national parks.
The legislation is a response to the Biden administration’s plan to phase out single-use plastics on public lands by 2032. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland introduced this plastic straws ban plan in June, outlining strategies to reduce the distribution of single-use plastics on lands managed by the department.
However, Rep. Rose argues that alternatives to single-use plastics, such as paper straws, may not be environmentally friendlier, citing a study in the Food Additives and Contaminants journal that found many paper straws contain “forever chemicals.”
READ ALSO: Man Charged with Murder After Tragic Stabbing of Parents in Barnegat Township
Controversy Surrounds Plastic Straws Ban Amendment as House Democrats Raise Concerns
The plastic straws ban amendment generated controversy, with some House Democrats criticizing the focus on plastic straws, given other pressing global issues such as the war in Ukraine and climate change. Nevertheless, the plastic straws ban amendment passed through a voice vote during a late-night session.
The appropriations bill will now proceed to the Senate, where it may face opposition and potential changes to the text, making the fate of Rep. Rose’s plastic straws ban amendment uncertain.
