WWF Statement on Save Our Seas 2.0 Act

Today, S 1982, Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, passed the House of Representatives. Introduced by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), it passed in the Senate in January and was spearheaded by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.) and Don Young (R-Alaska) in the House. This legislation addresses the plastic waste and debris that is harming our oceans.

In response, WWF issued the following statement from Roberta Elias, director, policy and government affairs:

“WWF is fighting for a world with no plastic in nature by 2030. Today we are one step closer to that goal with House passage of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. This legislation is a step in the right direction and will help us better understand the barriers to recycling and identify interventions to reduce marine debris.

“We must continue our work and build off this momentum to reduce truly unnecessary material use through broad adoption of sustainable alternatives and to arrive at a future where the plastics we discard become plastics we use again. Future policy initiatives must incorporate mechanisms like Extended Producer Responsibility, robust private-sector investments and standards to drive a truly circular economy.

“The United States can reduce its plastic footprint through aligned incentives, accountable corporate investment and oversight, and equity for consumers. It is possible to achieve healthier oceans for the wildlife and people who depend on them.”