HomeUnder Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the EnvironmentRemarks & Releases...Remarks at Canada’s Partnerships Day

# 											Remarks at Canada’s Partnerships Day									

Remarks

Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment

Ottawa, Canada

April 22, 2024

Good morning. I’m honored to be here on Earth Day to discuss one of the most important issues of our time – plastic pollution. First, I want to thank the government of Canada for hosting INC-4 [the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee] and organizing this event, along with the world wildlife foundation.

Plastic pollution is a global problem that requires a global solution. The United States is here today because we know we are part of the problem, and we see it as our obligation to be part of the solution. For the United States, and similar to many other governments, plastics is not just a product – but a material that is woven into our healthcare systems, economies, trade, and domestic, and foreign policy. To eliminate plastic pollution, we must look at ways to reduce use, improve recycling, and apply alternative materials and processes in order to reduce the demand for it and transition to a circular approach.

## U.S. Government Position

The United States recognizes the urgency and importance of a global solution. And thus, we support a global agreement on plastic pollution that meets 3 conditions:

          - Sets effective universal obligations throughout the lifecycle of plastics,
          - Allows each country to implement the actions the agreement calls for by enabling countries to develop and prioritize their actions on plastic pollution, and,
          - Enables universal membership from all countries, including the major producers and consumers of plastic.  

Some may say this is not enough. Some may say we need to ban plastics completely. But the ambition of this agreement will be limited if only a small percentage of the polluters and consumers in the world are able to implement it. We urge the world to work towards an agreement we can all start implementing immediately, while committing to strengthen over time. 

We aim to be an honest broker in this process. That starts with being honest about our own limitations – which include federal authorities, complex and varying subnational governmental approaches, and the fact that the science is not yet there in developing sustainable alternatives to plastic materials. 

Although the challenges are many, the United States is addressing them through two major actions:  (1) advancing international negotiations around the global agreement to align countries on a common approach and (2) establishing a multistakeholder forum to support projects to address pollution at all stages of the plastic lifecycle. 

One of the biggest obstacles from our perspective will be to ensure we bridge differences between countries to keep the negotiations constructive and on track to reach consensus on an impactful agreement.  

## Goal of INC-4

This brings me to what we hope we can all achieve this week. 

For INC-4, I hope we can work together to start converging on key elements in the agreement to stay on track to conclude these negotiations in 2024. We need to work during the inter-sessional on drafting the potential compromises. 

I hope we begin building the foundations for an agreement that will evolve and strengthen over time to support the just transition to circularity. Other multilateral environmental agreements, like the Montreal Protocol, have continuously expanded their ambition after they came into force. 

We acknowledge the need to have a cohesive global approach and therefore the United States supports an agreement on plastic pollution with universal obligations throughout the lifecycle of plastic, including on polymers, and chemicals.

We hope we can reach an agreement that most countries can implement, especially those who carry the most responsibility such as the United States.  

Of course, resources and financing will be important for the effective implementation of any agreement. Countries like the United States are ready to bring innovative solutions and resources to the table to develop a strong financial mechanism. Without it then the words in this agreement will remain only words.

## EPPIC

Beyond the negotiations, the United States is spearheading the End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC), which convenes public and private sector partners to spur global action to tackle plastic pollution head on. EPPIC partners include the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Aspen Institute, the Ocean Foundation, Searious Business, WWF [World Wildlife Fund], and Kimberly Clark, as well as other governments.  EPPIC supports innovative approaches to reduce plastic waste and creates a forum to exchange knowledge, information, and best practices. We urge you to join us in this effort.

In summary, I want to re-emphasize the United States’s commitment to work towards a solution in these negotiations. We are here to be innovative. We are ready to get to work and we hope you will join us. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the negotiations this week and working together towards a solution.

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CanadaClimate and EnvironmentPollutionUnder Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment

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