Reed calls for more research and regulations around microplastics
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – August 22, 2024 – U.S. Senator Jack Reed discussed ways to step up research and regulations surrounding microplastics. He held a briefing on Thursday to discuss the tiny toxins found in the air, soil, and water. Reed was joined by officials from Save The Bay, University of Rhode Island and Roger Williams University as he discussed the threat microplastics present to people, animals, and the environment.
According to researchers, the top two inches of Narragansett Bay’s floor contains more than 1,000 tons of microplastics.
“Microplastics are a macro, large-scale, global problem. We need comprehensive, coordinated action to help protect people, communities, public health, and environmental health,” he said. “And last month, the Biden-Harris Administration released the first comprehensive, government-wide strategy to target plastic pollution at production, processing, use, and disposal. A key part of that plan calls for developing standard methods for collecting, quantifying and characterizing microplastics. This will ensure regulators have good data they can use to set limits on microplastics in our food and water.”
“In response to the rising threat of microplastics to global ecosystems and human health, Roger Williams University is driving research to identify and assess the plastic pollution present in Rhode Island’s coastal and marine environments,” said Lillian Jeznach, the associate professor of engineering at Roger Williams University. “The extent of microplastic pollution in the state is largely unquantified and this research will enable a deeper understanding of the issue and pollution sources, which is necessary to develop technical, social, and policy solutions that create stronger and healthier coastal communities and waterways for the Ocean State and serve as a model for innovation and change nationally and globally.”
According to officials, he also obtained $1 million in federal funding to the University of Rhode Island to track plastic particles.
The event was held at Save The Bay at 10 a.m. Click here to read the full article.