The Surfrider Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of clean water and healthy beaches, announced the addition of Jennie Romer as a legal associate for the organization’s Plastic Pollution Initiative. With more than a decade of experience as an attorney and sustainability consultant who has worked to drive effective legislation and decrease single-use plastic bags, Romer will lead Surfrider’s policy efforts and litigation to reduce plastic pollution at local, state and national levels.
“We are thrilled to have Jennie Romer join the team at Surfrider,” said Surfrider’s CEO, Dr. Chad Nelsen. “Jennie is a national leader on plastic pollution advocacy who can jump in and elevate our grassroots efforts across the country. With dozens of states either supporting or fighting plastic pollution legislation, we have a unique opportunity right now to significantly change policy to reduce single-use plastics at the source.”
As founder of the website, PlasticBagLaws.org, Romer has previously led successful coalitions in support of plastic bag legislation in California and New York. In addition, she has served in an advisory role for campaigns throughout the U.S. as an environmental policy consultant.
“Over the last decade, Surfrider’s chapter volunteers and staff have impressed me with their thoughtful approach to organizing around plastic pollution through the lens of ocean protection,” said Romer. “I have established a voice in the plastics debate and this position at Surfrider allows me the opportunity to have a much greater impact on reducing single-use plastics and protecting our oceans and beaches. I am honored to become part of the Surfrider team and I look forward to helping guide plastic pollution policy for Surfrider’s expansive network of chapter volunteers.”
Romer earned a Juris Doctor degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. In addition, she holds bachelor’s degrees in Zoology, Environmental Studies and Black Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Romer is a member of the state bars of California and New York, and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
