Environmental NGOs Join U.S. Representatives in Calling for Plastics Reform
Reps. Lowenthal, Doggett Join Activists in Policy Briefing, Urge Congress to Pass Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act
Press Release Date: June 13, 2022
Location: Washington, D.C.
Contact:
Melissa Valliant | email: mvalliant@oceana.org | tel: Melissa Valliant
On June 15, Oceana, and other Break Free From Plastic coalition members will join U.S. Reps. Alan Lowenthal (Calif-47) and Lloyd Doggett (Texas-35) in urging Congress to pass the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. This “People’s Forum” will present a cogent argument for why this comprehensive legislation is so critical at this point in the planet’s history and remind our nation’s decision-makers that we need solutions, urgently, to combat this global plastic pollution crisis. This is the first time so many organizations with different areas of focus will join together to engage Congress on the plastic pollution crisis and push for advancing opportunities for a just transition to a zero-waste culture and refill-and-reuse economy.
WHO: Reps. Alan Lowenthal (Calif.-47) and Lloyd Doggett (Texas-35), Christy Leavitt (Oceana), Chris Wilke (Waterkeeper Alliance), Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation), Tom Helme (Valley Improvement Projects), Steven Feit (Center for International Environmental Law), Stephanie Erwin (American Sustainable Business Network), and Frankie Orona (Society of Native Nations)
WHEN: Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 12 p.m. ET
WHERE: 1334 Longworth House Office Building, HNRC Room, Washington, D.C.
BACKGROUND:
Scientists estimate that 33 billion pounds of plastic wash into the ocean every year. That equates to about two garbage trucks’ worth of plastic entering the ocean every minute. Plastic has been found in every corner of the world and has turned up in drinking water, beer, salt, honey and more. It’s also one of the greatest contributors to climate change. In fact, if plastic were a country, it would be the fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. With plastic production growing at a rapid rate, increased amounts of plastic can be expected to flood our blue planet with devastating consequences.
More information about Oceana’s campaign to end the plastics problem can be found at usa.oceana.org/plastics.
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit USA.Oceana.org to learn more.
The #breakfreefromplastic movement is a global movement envisioning a future free from plastic pollution. Since its launch in 2016, more than 11,000 organizations and individual supporters from across the world have joined the movement to demand massive reductions in single-use plastics and to push for lasting solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. BFFP member organizations and individuals share the common values of environmental protection and social justice, and work together through a holistic approach in order to bring about systemic change under the #breakfreefromplastic core pillars. This means tackling plastic pollution across the whole plastics value chain – from extraction to disposal – focusing on prevention rather than cure and providing effective solutions.
