‘Save Our Seas’ Act Vows to Tackle Ocean Plastic Pollution

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): President Donald Trump signed into law the ‘Save Our Seas’ Act sponsored by Alaska U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan. The bill, aimed at reducing plastic pollution in world’s oceans, had received bipartisan support and was passed unanimously by the Senate, without a roll call vote. The milestone law was signed in a ceremony held October 11, at the White House.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Trump stated that he is very much pleased to put his signature on the important legislation. Further, he assured that all efforts will be made to stop other nations from making oceans into their landfills. It must be noted that studies carried out by Ocean Conservancy had cited China, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam as the major contributors of plastic waste entering the oceans, accounting for more than 50% of the total. The President noted that many of the culprit countries have already been notified very strongly.

The new law will extend the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program for a period of five years. Further, it empowers the executive branch to take up the problem of plastic waste internationally.

Both the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) praised the law, saying that it would provide big boost to recycling and infrastructure enhancement.