HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSJM 8027

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Metcalf, Owen, Smith and Bailey)

Urging the reduction of plastic wastes in the Pacific Ocean.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (10)

      Signed by Representatives Rust, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; Brekke, Ferguson, Jesernig, Lux, Pruitt, Sprenkle, Unsoeld and Walker.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (2)

      Signed by Representatives May and Schoon.

House Staff:Karl Herzog (786-7271)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

FEBRUARY 17, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The dumping of plastic and other garbage from ships and offshore platforms is considered by many to be a growing environmental problem.  It is estimated that over five million metric tons of litter are dumped into the world's oceans annually.  Plastic products represent an increasing percentage of this total, and are especially troublesome because they do not degrade readily. Large numbers of birds, fish, seals, turtles, and sea lions die every year from entrapment by, or ingestion of, plastic products. Seventy-five to ninety percent of all beach garbage is estimated to result from offshore sources, and many vessels are damaged each year by garbage dumped into marine waters. Washington's offshore waters are extremely susceptible to accumulation of ocean debris because of eastern Pacific tidal action.

The 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), attended by over sixty countries worldwide, established voluntary guidelines and measures to address these problems.  Each country is responsible for enforcing the convention agreements for its own ships. Annex V provisions adopted by the convention specifically prohibit the dumping of all plastics into the sea, and regulate the dumping of other garbage.

In 1987, the President and Congress enacted the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act, which formally adopted Annex V provisions and established research, enforcement, and education programs. Three million dollars was authorized for implementation of these programs, but none has been appropriated.

The Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act applies to the navigable waters of the U.S. as well as to all other waters and vessels over which the U.S. has jurisdiction, including the area within the exclusive economic zone. The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcement of the regulations.

SUMMARY:

The Senate and the House of Representatives of the State of Washington urge Congress, the President of the United States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency to: 1) vigorously pursue implementation of Annex V provisions to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL); 2) increase funding for MARPOL provisions and marine debris educational programs; 3) encourage countries that have not signed MARPOL to do so; and 4) declare significant areas of United States coastal waters, including Washington State coastal waters, off-limits to marine dumping.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Jack Metcalf.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Ocean pollution is a growing problem that needs to be addressed. This legislation was recommended by Commissioner of Public Lands, Brian Boyle.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.