New Executive Order Mandates All Government-Issued Plastic ID Cards Must Be Biodegradable by 2027
A viral rumor circulating on social media claims that a new executive order has been signed requiring all government-issued plastic identification cards—such as driver's licenses and passports—to be produced with biodegradable materials by 2027. Proponents say this is a major step toward reducing plastic pollution, while skeptics argue it could compromise card durability and security features like RFID chips.
Fact-check: This claim is fake. No such executive order exists. While the White House has pursued environmental policies, including reducing single-use plastics in federal operations, no mandate specifically targets ID cards for biodegradability by that date. The rumor appears to have originated from a satirical climate blog that misinterpreted a 2023 directive on sustainable procurement. Officials confirm that security and fraud prevention remain the top priority for identification documents, and any material changes would require years of testing and legislative input.