Marine Pollution & Combative Legislation in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Lauren Multari

The Mid-Atlantic Region is one of the most predominant cultural, social, and economic hubs in the country. Containing the nation’s capital, as well as highly industrialized cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, Newark, and Baltimore, the region is often one of the most active in creating policy and environmental regulation. Unfortunately, the cost of densely concentrated and industrialized cities is excess pollution and waste. The Wye Research and Education Center Aquatic Toxicology Group of the University of Maryland analyzed microplastic levels in archive Chesapeake Bay water samples (NOAA, 2026). As the largest estuary in the United States, the bay is formed by river mouths in Maryland, and is fed by up to 150 rivers from neighboring states, and eventually flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. All but one sample, meaning 98% of the previously collected samples, contained microplastics of varying concentrations (NOAA, 2026). Microplastic levels were found to be higher in more populated areas, making plastic waste a particular concern for the Mid-Atlantic Region (NOAA, 2026).

A commonly targeted method of plastic waste elimination is the ban of single-use plastics, efforts that have been established for many years in the Mid-Atlantic region. New Jersey bill number S865/A1978 was signed in 2021 and went into effect in May of 2022, banning food services from distributing the majority of single-use plastics and paper bags (Young, 2025). Prior to this legislation, Clean Ocean Action, a non-profit dedicated to ocean conservation and environmental stewardship in the NJ/NY region, identified thousands of marine debris items targeted by New Jersey’s bill. More than 10,000 volunteers helped to remove debris from over 80 locations across New Jersey, with plastic caps lids identified as the second most common item with over 67,000 pieces, and straws and stirrers the fourth most common item with over 35,000 pieces (COA, 2019). Since enacting S865/A1978, New Jersey has reduced over 8.8 billion disposable bags making their way into the waste stream every year (Young, 2025). 

Although Maryland has not delivered a state-wide plastic ban, a styrofoam ban has been enacted for many years. Expanded polystyrene, otherwise referred to as EPS or most commonly, styrofoam, is a product made from small plastic molecules. While styrofoam itself can break apart, it does not naturally degrade and instead continuously breaks into smaller plastic molecules (Beyond Plastics). When styrofoam makes its way into the ocean, exposure to sunlight, wind, and water can lead to the eventual ingestion from marine organisms that mistake the plastic pieces for food (Beyond Plastics). Scientific journals have well documented this, proving the occurrence of intestinal blockages after ingestion (Turner, 2020). This alone can increase the risk of injury, harmful chemical absorption, and the possibility of complete infertility (Turner, 2020). 

To prevent this, Bill HBO109/SBO285 was enacted in 2020 to eliminate nearly all types of food service styrofoam products (Maryland DEP). Notably, this ban encompasses the majority of products utilized not only in restaurants, but also in cafeterias and lunch halls (Maryland DEP). 

Most recently, New Jersey issued Bill S3195 “Skip the Stuff”. Now one month in action, the bill requires restaurants to withhold all plastic products unless specifically requested by the customer (Union County). Oftentimes, plastic utensils, napkins, and condiment packets are automatically added to dine-in and take-out meals, but may make their way into the waste stream if not used. Eliminating potential sources of pollution will help decrease the possibility of terrestrial and marine pollution, while proposing economic benefits to companies that require a decreased number of products. 

While environmental concern in an area may remain high, it can be difficult to translate these feelings into immediate action. Every bill, on a state or federal level, must be drafted and reviewed by committees for amendments (US House of Representatives). Once a satisfactory version is decided on, the bill then goes to the floor for a vote, where it can continuously be referred to multiple committees for amendments (US House of Representatives). When a bill passes the floor, the enacting legislator then has a certain time period to sign or veto the bill before it eventually becomes law. Throughout this lengthy process, remaining engaged with environmental organizations, with Clean Ocean Action serving as an example, can be a helpful way to boost morale while contributing to research and information supporting policy. Legislation in the Mid-Atlantic Region serves as a powerful example of the successful yield from environmental regulation, while also serving as a first step in the process of eliminating excess plastic waste and pollution.

Citations

Turner, Andrew. (2020). Foamed Polystyrene in the Marine Environment: Sources, Additives, Transport, Behavior, and Impacts. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32786582/ 

Young, Marta. (2025). New Jersey Plastics Policies - Local and Statewide. Clean Water Action. https://cleanwater.org/publications/new-jersey-plastics-policies-local-and-statewide

(2019). Beach Sweeps Report 2019. Clean Ocean Action. https://www.cleanoceanaction.org/fileadmin/editor_group2/Beach_Sweeps/2019-Beach-Sweeps-Annual-Report.pdf

(2026). Analysis of Microplastics in Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Mid-Atlantic Water Samples. NOAA Marine Debris Program. https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/research/analysis-microplastics-chesapeake-bay-and-coastal-mid-atlantic-water-samples

(2026). New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” Law Targets Plastic Waste, Limits Single-Use Plastic Cutlery and Condiments. Union County. https://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2026/07/17/new-jerseys-skip-the-stuff-law-targets-plastic-waste-limits-single-use-plastic-cutlery-and-condiments/

The Legislative Process. United States House of Representatives. https://www.house.gov/the-house-explained/the-legislative-process

Polystyrene Food Service Products Ban. Maryland - Department of the Environment. https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/land/RecyclingandOperationsprogram/Pages/Expanded-Polystyrene-Food-Service-Products-Ban.aspx

The Problems with Expanded Polystyrene (a.k.a EPS or Plastic Foam). Beyond Plastics. https://www.beyondplastics.org/fact-sheets/polystyrene