Report Title:
Environment; Electronic Products Stewardship
Description:
Establishes an advisory council on electronic products stewardship to review, analyze, and develop programs for the purchase, use, and disposal of electronic products in a manner that reduces negative impacts on the environment by all state departments and agencies.
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3163 |
TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to environmentally sustainable practices.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that improper disposal of electronic products may present serious environmental threats. Some electronic products, such as computer equipment, contain quantities of lead, mercury, and other heavy metals which can lead to environmental contamination, if improperly disposed. There is a rapidly growing stream of used computer equipment that should be recycled or disposed in an appropriate manner. However, there is also a shortage of existing programs and resources dedicated to the recycling and proper disposal of electronic products.
The government, as one of the largest consumers of goods and services, is vested with a great deal of power and influence over the purchase and disposal of environmentally preferable products and services, and should set a proper example for all other consumers. On a national level, the Federal Network for Sustainability, a voluntary network of federal agencies, works to promote cost-effective, energy and resource-efficient operations across all branches of government. The Network has developed four initiatives for promoting greening the government, including the Electronic Products Stewardship Initiative. The objective of the initiative is to change the way government agencies buy, use, and dispose of electronics so as to reduce the impact of used electronics on the environment.
The legislature finds that Hawaii should engage in an active partnership with the Network to promote sustainability practices and champion Network initiatives, such as the Electronic Products Stewardship Initiative.
The purpose of this Act is to mandate the State's participation in the Network campaign through the development of an electronic products stewardship advisory committee to review and analyze current practices and develop a plan for the purchase, use, and disposal of electronic products in a manner that reduces the negative impacts of used electronic products on the environment.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established an advisory committee on electronic products stewardship within the department of business, economic development, and tourism. The members of the advisory committee shall be selected by the director of business, economic development, and tourism. The advisory committee shall be composed of seven members, as follows:
(1) A representative from the department of business, economic development, and tourism;
(2) A representative from the department of health;
(3) A representative from the department of commerce and consumer affairs;
(4) A representative from the department of land and natural resources; and
(5) Three representatives from the environmental community.
A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. Members of the advisory committee shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary travel expenses incurred in the conduct of official council business. The advisory committee shall elect one of its members to serve as chairperson. The advisory committee shall hold its first meeting not later than sixty days after appointment.
(b) The responsibilities of the advisory committee shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) Examining the existing infrastructure in this State for reuse and recycling of used electronic products, including reuse and recycling opportunities offered by manufacturers, retailers, and local and regional governments and opportunities for donation and reuse of electronic products;
(2) Monitoring the progress of national programs and legislation developed through the National Electronics Product Stewardship Initiative;
(3) Reviewing existing data on the actual impact that used electronic products have on the environment;
(4) Reviewing state and federal environmental regulations that encourage or impede effective reuse and recycling of electronic products and recommending changes if needed;
(5) Exploring the creation of business opportunities and jobs in the area of electronic product recycling infrastructure and state or local financial incentives for developing business opportunities and jobs in the area of electronic product recycling infrastructure;
(6) Developing recommendations for educating consumers and businesses in the area of electronic product recycling;
(7) Reviewing regional and national guidelines for governmental procurement of environmentally responsible electronic products and how similar guidelines might be used in the State; and
(8) Developing a comprehensive statewide plan for electronic products stewardship for the purchase, reuse, recycling, and proper disposal of electronic products.
(c) The advisory committee shall report its findings and recommendations, including proposals for legislation, for a statewide plan for an economically sustainable system for electronic products stewardship to the legislature and the governor no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2005.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval and shall be repealed on June 30, 2005.
INTRODUCED BY: |
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