04.05.17

Save Our Seas Act Advances from Commerce Committee

Bipartisan marine debris legislation heads to Senate floor

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) thanked their colleagues on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today for unanimously passing the Save Our Seas Act, which will help address the global marine debris crisis affecting America’s coastal ecosystems and communities. Senators Sullivan and Whitehouse also held a discussion on the ramifications of ocean debris, and how the Save Our Seas Act can help form international cooperation toward addressing and mitigating the problem.  


“I am grateful to see such broad support for the Save Our Seas Act from senators of both parties representing coastal and landlocked states alike,” Senator Sullivan said. “The committee members clearly understand that the marine debris crisis has broad implications for every American. With hundreds of thousands of tons of debris estimated to be floating on the ocean’s surface, this matter is urgent and threatens the well-being of our citizens, coastal communities – and for Alaskans, the sustainability of our world-class fisheries. We will work to broaden this coalition to give NOAA the tools it needs to assist in marine debris clean-up, response and research, and encourage the Trump administration to engage in negotiations with nations responsible for depositing the vast majority of debris into the oceans.”

 

Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) have also signed on as co-sponsors of the legislation.

 

# # #