California adopts first-in-nation microplastics reduction policy

Read the full story at The Hill.

California on Wednesday became the first state to adopt a comprehensive strategy for the reduction of microplastics, part of a broad effort to protect the state’s marine environment.

The Statewide Microplastics Strategy, approved by the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC) on Wednesday afternoon, identifies preventative actions and research priorities that the state can take to help curb microplastics along its coasts, according to the council. The OPC, an advisory body within the California Natural Resources Agency, was established by the California Ocean Protection Act in 2004 to ensure that the state maintains a healthy and resilient ocean environment.