Merkley Chairs Senate Hearing Examining the Environmental and Climate Damage of Plastics

Senator Jeff Merkley chairs a Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee hearing investigating the impact of plastic production and pollution on human health, the climate, and the environment.

This kicks off a series of subcommittee hearings investigating plastic production and pollution. Senator Merkley leads the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act, which would reduce plastic production, increase recycling, and protect frontline communities from the burden of toxic emissions from plastic waste by changing the incentives of the industry. 

The bill would shift the burden of cleanup to the corporations that produced the plastics so they have financial motivation to end the burning and dumping; strengthen environmental justice protections; eliminate waste export loopholes; and extend across the nation existing laws that have been proven to work on the state and local level, among other steps.

Learn more about the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-lowenthal-lead-introduction-of-congress-most-comprehensive-plan-to-protect-americans-health-from-growing-plastic-pollution-crisis-2021

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