Marine Debris Act
In 2006, President George W. Bush signed the Marine
Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act, which
established the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s Marine Debris Pro -
gram. The House of Repre senta tives
passed H.R.1171, the Marine Debris
Act Amendments of 2012.
Steve Russell, vice president of plastics
for the American Chemistry Council,
issued the following statement:
“Passage of the ‘Marine Debris Act
Amendments of 2012’ demonstrates
that our political leaders understand the
importance of protecting and preserving
the marine environment for future generations.
If signed into law, this legislation
will authorize funding to enable
NOAA to continue important programs
that examine the sources, prevention,
reduction and removal of litter and
debris in our oceans and waterways. We
urge the Senate to pass this bipartisan
legislation.
“Marine debris is a significant challenge
that deserves thoughtful consideration
and action on the part of government,
scientists and industries working
together. From large-scale natural disasters,
such as tsunamis and typhoons, to
abandoned fishing gear and litter - the
causes of debris in our oceans are many
and varied.
“Through the American Chemistry
Council, America’s plastics makers have
helped lead the development of the plastic’s industry’s global
Declaration on Solutions for Marine Litter,’ which has been
signed by more than sixty plastics associations in 34 countries.
Through this initiative, more than 100 projects focused
on researching, preventing or reducing marine debris are
underway around the globe.
“In the United States, plastics makers are partnering
with governments and conservationists to encourage recycling
and discourage litter, working to educate children on
the link between our litter and marine health, promoting
industry wide practices to contain plastic pellets, and
we're working with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to advance scientific
understanding of marine litter.”
For more information, contact Allyson Wilson,
American Chemistry Council, 202-249-6623, E-mail:
allyson_wilson@americanchemistry.com, Web: www.americanchemistry.com/plastics.
|
