SeaWorld and The Humane Society of the United States team up to urge “Yes” vote on plastic bag ban proposition

SAN DIEGO (October 17, 2016) – The Humane Society of the United States and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment have announced they are joining together to urge Californians to vote “Yes” on Proposition 67, the state ban on single-use plastic bags.

Signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2014, the ban is being challenged by plastic bag companies from Texas, South Carolina and China. Backers of the ban, which is already implemented in 151 communities in the state, say the statewide ban will protect marine wildlife, reduce litter, promote the use of reusable bags and save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“Sadly, we see the devastating impact plastic bags have on shorebirds, seals and sea lions, sea turtles and other marine life,” said SeaWorld veterinarian Dr. Todd Schmitt. “They can be debilitating and even deadly to these animals. SeaWorld banned plastic bags more than five years ago and we believe Prop. 67’s statewide ban will result in a significant reduction in harm to marine wildlife and our oceans.”

“Plastic grocery bags wash into our rivers, oceans and other water ways with devastating effects on marine life,” said Nicole Paquette, vice president of wildlife for The Humane Society of the United States. “With the prediction that there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans by 2050, it’s critical that Californians vote “Yes” on Prop 67 to protect the bag ban.”

The efforts by the two groups to back the proposition is the result of their recently announced agreement focused on advocating for the health of the oceans and the animals that call them home.

Their agreement on ocean and its animals includes leading efforts against the commercial killing of whales, seals and other marine animals, working to protect coral reefs and marine species and promoting sustainable seafood.

SeaWorld visitors pay 10 cents for paper shopping bags, and 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. For guests who elect to purchase reusable bags, 5 percent of the proceeds are donated to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. In these ways SeaWorld guests are able to further help marine life when they use paper or reusable bags at the park.

More than 400 local and statewide organizations, cities, and elected officials have announced their support for the “Yes on 67” campaign.

For more information, visit www.CAYeson67.com and @CAYeson67 on Twitter.