Compliance with the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act

摘要

The Report to Congress describes efforts to comply with Public Law 100-220, the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 (the Act). The Report was prepared in accordance with Title II of the Act, which directs the U.S. Department of Transportation, through the U.S. Coast Guard, to report to Congress on compliance with Annex V in U.S. waters, including the waters of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which extends 200 miles from the U.S. coastline. The Report addressed major issues associated with implementing the Act: (1) legislative and regulatory requirements; (2) the problem of marine plastic pollution; (3) garbage reception facilities and alternatives; (4) enforcement practices; (5) compliance with regulations; (6) assessment of the Act's effectiveness; and (7) public education. Annex V focuses on identifying and reducing the effects of plastic pollution on the marine environment (U.S. House of Representatives, 1987). The Report is the first of its kind prepared by the Coast Guard, and it presents the baseline conditions as of January 1990. Future reports prepared biennially will update Congress on the progress made to control plastic pollution.