Nov 5 - Assembly Enviro Committees to Hold Special Hearing on Marine Debris

The California Assembly Natural Resources and Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committees are holding a special informational session on marine debris pollution Nov 17.

*Media Advisory*
Event Date: November 17, 2009
Contact: Bob Fredenburg
(916) 319-3621

Joint Committee Hearing on Marine Debris: Its Impacts
and Strategies for Its Reduction

(SACRAMENTO)— The Assembly Committees on Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials and on Natural Resources are conducting a joint informational hearing on Marine Debris, Its Impacts, and Strategies for Its Reduction. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 17, at the Santa Monica Public Library.

"The state must do a better job of protecting beaches and coastal waters," said Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-Arcata), the chair of the Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee. "The joint oversight hearing by two key Legislative committees will review the progress state and local agencies have made in addressing a growing epidemic of plastic trash along the coast of California."

"Trash that washes into out waterways and bays poses a real and pressing threat to marine life. California must act to maintain our leadership role in protecting the coast and ocean," said Assemblymember Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), chair of the Natural Resources Committee.

This hearing will examine the following questions:

  • What is the status of marine debris in California's ocean waters and along the coast, and what are the hazards it poses?
  • What is the State's responsibility for managing, reducing and preventing marine debris and how much progress has been made to do so?
  • What are the actions and responsibilities of local governments and non-governmental organizations to protect California's ocean and coast from impacts from marine debris?

WHO: Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro
Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Assemblymember Nancy Skinner
Assembly Committee on Natural Resource

WHAT: Joint Assembly Committee Hearing on Reducing Marine Debris

WHERE: The Santa Monica Public Library
601 Santa Monica Boulevard,
Santa Monica, CA 90401

WHEN: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
1 - 5 p.m

Lanh Nguyen