On Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 11:00 AM ET, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, will hold her first hearing as Chair, which will focus on efforts to address marine plastic pollution through recycling.
Plastics are a widespread environmental contaminant. More than 8 million tons of plastic are dumped in the ocean every year. Scientists are finding evidence of microplastic contamination on land, in freshwater, and in marine environments, with devastating consequences for both species and habitats. It is estimated that between 15 and 51 trillion microplastic particles are floating on the surface of our oceans.
Pingree has a strong record in working to combat marine debris. She was an original cosponsor of the Save our Seas Act, which reauthorized the NOAA Marine Debris Program through FY2022 and provides resources to help states respond to severe marine debris events. She is also an original cosponsor of the Save our Seas 2.0 Act.
A full list of the hearing’s witnesses is below:
- Winnie Lau, Senior Manager, Preventing Ocean Plastics, The Pew Charitable Trusts
- Ginger Spencer, Public Works Director, City of Phoenix, Arizona
- Nicole Collier, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs, Nestlé USA
WHO: Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and other members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
WHAT: A hearing on efforts to address marine plastic pollution through recycling.
WHEN: Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 11 AM ET
WHERE: A livestream can be found here.
###
