Congress Passes Act to Reduce Marine Debris

This week, Congress unanimously passed the Save Our Seas Act of 2018, and the move has been lauded by the Plastics Industry Association and the American Chemistry Council.

The act reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program and calls for federal help in supporting waste management solutions to reduce marine pollution. The act includes provisions for Congress to work with foreign waste leaders and to support research, development and investments on systems and materials that reduce the amount of waste that enters the oceans.

The Marine Debris Program will also work on outreach and education strategies with other federal agencies to address sources of marine debris.

Recycling Today has more details:

This week, the Senate and House by unanimous vote passed the Save Our Seas Act of 2018, which reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program and calls for the U.S. government’s help in supporting international waste management solutions to reduce marine debris.

In statements this week, the Plastics Industry Association and the American Chemistry Council, both based in Washington, applauded Congress for passing the Save Our Seas Act. Plastics says the bill will help reduce the amount of waste in the ocean and promote recycling in developing nations, as well as enhance research and development that could help spur innovation to reduce marine debris.

Cal Dooley, president and CEO of ACC, testified this week at the Senate’s hearing on Cleaning up the Oceans: How to reduce the impact of man-made trash on the environment, wildlife and human health.

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