Van Hollen, Huffman Introduce Bicameral Resolution Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) introduced a bicameral resolution recognizing the 40^th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup and its immense contributions to protecting oceans and waterways worldwide. Launched in 1986 by the Ocean Conservancy, this annual event has mobilized 19 million volunteers to remove more than 400 million pounds of trash from beaches and waterways across 155 countries and 33 states in the United States. The International Coastal Cleanup also produces one of the largest citizen science datasets, which has been used in 43 peer-reviewed studies of marine trash pollution.

"For forty years, the International Coastal Cleanup has shown what's possible when communities come together to protect the environment and public health. Millions of volunteers - including tens of thousands from Maryland - have rolled up their sleeves to clean up our shores as part of this coordinated worldwide effort led by Ocean Conservancy. As we mark this 40-year milestone, we must continue working to prevent trash and plastic from reaching our waterways in the first place and to keep them clean for future generations," said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

"For 40 years, the International Coastal Cleanup has proven that when our communities come together, we can make a real difference in protecting our oceans and waterways. With 19 million volunteers across 155 countries removing over 400 million pounds of trash, this annual event is more than just a cleanup effort. It's a community-led commitment that drives global action," said Rep. Jared Huffman. "Now, we need to do our part and match the dedication of these volunteers with bold legislative solutions that reduce plastic pollution and hold polluters accountable. Their work reminds us that real change requires not only the environmental action, but also the policy commitment to back up these efforts."

"Since the start of the International Coastal Cleanup, nearly 19 million volunteers have removed over 400 million pounds of plastics and trash from beaches and waterways worldwide, equivalent to over 27,000 pounds per day for 40 years. Every piece of plastic collected makes a tangible difference for our ocean and all of the wildlife and communities who depend on it. Thank you to Senators Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Blunt Rochester, Heinrich, and Merkley for recognizing the importance of confronting the plastic pollution crisis with this resolution celebrating the International Coastal Cleanup's 40th anniversary," said Ocean Conservancy's Senior Director of Conservation Cleanups, Allison Schutes.

Senator Van Hollen has also championed legislation to curb plastic foam pollution on land and in waterways. Reintroduced in March 2025 with U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) leading in the House, the Farewell to Foam Act phases out single-use plastic foam food service products, "loose fill" items such as packing peanuts, and non-medical disposable coolers. Rep. Huffman is a cosponsor of this legislation in the House, and it has been endorsed by the Ocean Conservancy.

This resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

The full text of the resolution is available here.