WASHINGTON, March 29, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Senate today introduced a bipartisan bill (S. 756) to reauthorize the NOAA Marine Debris Program and promote international action to reduce marine debris. The American Chemistry Council, which has partnered with a broad range of stakeholders to prevent and create solutions for marine debris, issued the following statement, which may be attributed to ACC’s President and CEO Cal Dooley:

“The American Chemistry Council today applauded Senators Sullivan (R-AK), Whitehouse (D-RI) and Booker (D-NJ) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Saving Our Seas Act. We also would like to thank Senators Coons (D-DE), Inhofe (R-OK), Murkowski (R-AK), Peters (D-MI) and Tillis (R-NC) for cosponsoring this legislation.

We strongly support several features in this much needed bill, including the reauthorization of the Marine Debris Act, provisions to further study land-based waste management solutions and causes of marine debris, and increased investment and technical assistance to help expand waste management systems in rapidly industrializing nations.

Companies that use chemistry to make plastics for a range of packaging and consumer goods that help us to live more sustainably applaud this legislation, and we are fully committed to the goal of  keeping waste of all kinds out of our ocean. We look forward to continuing our work with the Oceans Caucus, NOAA, the State Department and other stakeholders to enhance international engagement in improving land-based waste management practices to address marine debris, and the bill’s sponsors to bring this legislation to the President’s desk.

Every day, the products of chemistry, including many plastics, improve our quality of life while contributing to sustainability by allowing us to do more with less. Today’s chemistry and plastics help to reduce energy use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and significantly reduce waste. The Saving our Seas Act will help develop and promote the use of more effective practices for managing these resources after their initial use through recycling and energy recovery, where feasible, or proper disposal.

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $797 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the nation’s largest exporter, accounting for fourteen percent of all U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Contact: Jennifer Killinger (202) 249-6619
Email: jennifer_killinger@americanchemistry.com