New Year, Now What?
MDF executive director Susan Sherman recently spoke on a panel at Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s annual Energy, Environment and Oceans Leaders Day. The event included discussions on gains made in climate, environmental protection and ocean conservation over the past decade and potential challenges leading up to a new federal administration.
Presenters painted a mixed outlook for the next four years. Susan spoke on a panel directed to address “Reasons for Optimism.” She shared her perspective on the historically strong bipartisan support for marine debris work* and her conviction to continually brief congressional offices on the critical role marine debris mitigation work plays in local and regional economies—including marine debris impacts on fisheries and the tourism and recreation industries. She also emphasized innovative work happening at the state and local levels, and the power philanthropy can play in advancing environmental objectives.
*Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI) and Sen. Sullivan (R-AK) co-sponsored the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act which, among other objectives, established the Marine Debris Foundation. President Trump signed the bill into law in 2020.