[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MARINE DEBRIS ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
the Marine Debris Act Reauthorization Amendments, which is important 
legislation to my district in Northern California and the West Coast. 
This bipartisan legislation will maintain current efforts to remove 
marine debris from our coastlines, provide updates on the status of 
marine debris, and prevent redundant activities among state and federal 
agencies.
  Marine debris has been a problem for our oceans and coasts for 
decades. Trash has been filling our oceans and thereby impacting human 
health, harming wildlife, and littering our favorite beaches. For over 
25 years, we have been relying heavily on volunteers, non-governmental 
organizations, and local governments to patrol our shores and pick up 
our trash. For example, in 2010 more than 5,400 cars could have been 
outfitted with the tires found during beach cleanup efforts. The work 
of these volunteers and organizations is invaluable and they need our 
help. Not only in terms of their planned cleanup activities, but to 
help in times of catastrophic events that create debris that is beyond 
physical and fiscal capabilities to remove.
  Today, marine debris is of even more concern since a massive tsunami 
tragically struck the coastline of Japan 16 months ago. The disaster 
claimed nearly 16,000 lives, injured 6,000, and destroyed or damaged 
well over a million buildings with 130-foot waves.
  Studies by the Japanese government estimate approximately 5 million 
tons of debris was swept into the ocean. Of that, 1.5 million tons are 
thought to be heading towards the West Coast of the United States.
  As the Congressional representative for the longest coastline in the 
lower 48 states, the impending arrival of the tsunami debris is of 
utmost concern. It is essential that we have fully developed 
contingency plans to remove debris that hits our shores, especially 
objects that are considered hazardous.
  Over the past few months, debris from the Japanese tsunami (ranging 
from soccer balls to 66-foot piers) has landed along the Pacific Coast 
of the United States. It is clear we cannot deal with this issue 
without proper funding and resources. In this economic climate, we need 
to think critically and creatively to develop funding solutions that 
address this increase in marine debris.
  The reauthorization of the Marine Debris Program by this legislation 
will facilitate national and international efforts to research, 
prevent, and reduce the impacts of garbage on our shores. Once we pass 
this crucial legislation, the next step is to provide funding to our 
states to handle both emergency debris issues and everyday trash 
problems.
  Marine debris is a global problem with local implications. More than 
ever, we need knowledge and guidance on marine debris and I urge a yes 
vote for H.R. 1171.

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