June is World Ocean Month, and it's a great reminder to take action.

Our ocean covers about 70 percent of the Earth's surface. It helps to sustain life on the planet, balances our ecosystem, and supports economies around the world. As an Oregonian, I know that the tourism, fishing, and crabbing industries and the health of our coastal communities depend on a coastline that is clean and free from waste.

All of that is in jeopardy. Our community – and planet – are being overrun by plastic pollution.

We don't know how long it takes for plastics to break down - estimates range from 450 years to never. Nearly a third of plastic waste leaks into our rivers and ocean. Consequently, some of it ends up in our food chain, and, eventually, in our bodies. We must:

• phase out single-use plastics
• hold corporations accountable for wasteful production
• reduce excessive packaging
• reform our broken waste and recycling collection system

In Congress, I co-chair the bipartisan House Ocean Caucus to advocate for the health of our ocean and make sure it is considered a national and global priority. Join me in calling on my colleagues in Congress to act and help us break free from plastic pollution.

The health of our ocean is critical to a healthy planet and a healthy economy, so I am doing all I can to stop threats from oil rigs, polluters, and other waste that harms marine life. Make waves with me: sign the petition and help end plastic pollution.

Thank you for standing with me and for our ocean,

Sign the Petition