Plastic is everywhere except in Democrats’ plans for a fossil fuel-free future

It’s the overlooked — often forgotten — petroleum product left out of Democrats’ clean energy agenda: plastics.

The petrochemical industry is on pace to become the leading driver of new global oil demand and potentially more difficult for foes of greenhouse gas to eliminate than even gasoline-powered cars.

Petrochemicals are a vast array of chemical products derived from oil and natural gas. They include plastics and are essential components of everyday items that permeate Americans’ lives.

Plastics are in everything from clothes to building materials to furniture, auto parts, drink...