From Maine to Oregon, citizens urge state legislators to choose wildlife over waste

As we work to tackle plastic pollution here in Oregon, our national network's campaign to put wildlife over waste has made major headway in Oregon and three other states.

As we work to tackle plastic pollution here in Oregon, our national network’s campaign to put wildlife over waste has made major headway in Oregon and three other states.

On May 2, Maine became the first state to ban polystyrene foam containers—what most call Styrofoam—one of the worst forms of plastic pollution, and a deadly threat to wildlife. The Maryland Legislature passed a similar measure last month. As of this writing, the bill has not yet been signed by the governor, but it has enough votes to override a potential veto. In New Jersey, our network’s staff are helping guide a bill through the committee process. Here in Oregon, a ban has already passed the House of Representatives, and will be voted on in the Senate.

“It’s been one year since we launched our campaign to tackle plastic pollution, and we have a lot to show for it,” said Steve Blackledge, senior director of our national network’s Conservation campaign. “Looking ahead, we hope Oregon will be next to join us.”

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Photo: The momentum to protect wildlife from plastic waste is building nationwide. Credit: idreamphoto/Shutterstock

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