Local governments, municipalities, and communities should have a say on how they deal with the plastic pollution crisis. Unfortunately, Florida Statutes do not allow us to make decisions that are best for our communities, waterways, and environment.  We demand that our local representatives stand up and introduce legislation that will take away the preemptions that are prohibiting us to act on plastic pollution at a local level.

WHEREAS, Northwest Florida is awash in plastic waste that can only be managed by landfill or incineration; that plastic waste uses immense resources and contributes to climate change; that plastic pollutes environmental justice communities and is a matter of socioeconomic and racial justice; and that plastic contains toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health and wildlife;

We, the undersigned, urge Senator Doug Broxson to protect public health by introducing legislation that will take away the preemption that is prohibiting us to act on plastic pollution at a local level.