WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today helped pass the Save Our Seas Act 2.0 – which he cosponsored – to prevent, reduce and remove the staggering amount of plastic in the ocean. With Rep. Mast’s support, the House also passed the America’s Conservation Enhancement Act to reauthorize a number of wildlife conservation programs, including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the National Fish and Wildlife Act.

“Florida’s waterways are a natural treasure. I will never stop fighting for what is right and necessary to defend our environment. These bills we passed today are proof that, by working together, we can make real progress to protect our environment,” Rep. Mast said. “I am hopeful that these bills will go a long way towards cleaning up our oceans and preserving our wetlands for generations to come.”

The Save Our Seas Act 2.0 addresses the staggering amount of plastic in the ocean by improving domestic cleanup efforts, incentivizing international engagement on the issue and strengthening domestic infrastructure to responsibly dispose waste materials. The bill also furthers the efforts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assess, prevent, reduce and remove marine debris. Finally, the bill addresses the adverse impacts of marine debris on the economy of the United States, the marine environment and navigational safety.

The America’s Conservation Enhancement Act reauthorizes critical wildlife conservation programs, including $138 million for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and $63 million for the National Fish and Wildlife Act. In total, the bill authorizes $1 billion to improve protections for wildlife and strengthen conservation programs across the nation.

Both pieces of legislation will now go to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

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