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.