Capital Briefs: Seniors would get free bins, carts in D.C.

Seniors would get free bins, carts in bill

Washington D.C.: Bill 1036 provides that residents age 65 years and older receive a free recycling cart and trash can at the time the senior relocates to, or within, the District of Columbia. The bill also gives a one-time free replacement recycling cart and trash can. The bill is titled the Supercans for Seniors Act. Introduced Nov. 1 and sent to a committee on the environment, public works and transportation.

Certification of recycling rates desired

Washington D.C.: Bill 1032 relates to the Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Accountability Act of 2012. The bill would establish a certification program to ensure the accuracy of reported recycling rates for construction and demolition projects seeking credit under the terms of the Green Build Act. The bill also delegates certification authority, provides for penalties for noncompliance and grants revocation authority to the mayor. Introduced Nov. 1 and sent to a committee on environment, public works and transportation.

Bottle deposit drinks off limits for assistance

Michigan: House Bill 5989 prohibits the use of cash assistance bridge cards to purchase beverages that have a bottle deposit fee. Those beverages in Michigan include soda and beer. Introduced Nov. 8 and sent to a committee on families, children and seniors.

Registry of scrap thieves proposed

Michigan: House Bill 6027 would create a public register for individuals convicted of metal theft violations. The bill also requires that those convicted of scrap thefts to pay regulatory and registration fees. Introduced Nov. 8 and sent to a committee on regulatory reform.

Bill would look at metal, scrap laws

Montana: Draft Bill 572 would enact laws related to the theft of metal and scrap metal. Draft requested on Nov. 2 for 2013 session.

Review of cleanup laws proposed in Montana

Montana: Draft Bill 590 would enact a comprehensive review of Environmental Cleanup and Responsibility Act laws. Prefiled Nov. 8.

Study wanted in bill proposed for 2013

Montana: An interim study on the impacts of Montana's renewable energy portfolio standard would be held if a measure proposed is passed next year. Proposal sent Sept. 20.

Bill would force EPA to validate credits

United States: House Bill 6444 would amend the Clean Air Act to require the U.S. EPA administrator to establish a system for the certification of the validity of credits to be used for compliance with the renewable fuel program. Introduced Sept. 20 and sent to a committee on energy and commerce.

Pilot program developed in proposal

United States: Senate Bill 3535 would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a pilot program to award grants to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of retrofitting nonprofit buildings with energy-efficiency improvements. Introduced Sept. 12 and sent to a committee on energy and natural resources.

Bill would allow for county collections

Texas: House Bill 83 relates to the implementation of county solid waste management programs in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of a municipality. The bill would allow a commissioners court to regulate solid waste collection, handling, storage and disposal by establishing a mandatory program in the area if the municipality doesn't provide solid waste disposal services in the area. Introduced Nov. 1.

Bill would give cleanup funds for Sandy

United States: House Bill 6581 is a supplemental appropriation act for Hurricane Sandy recovery and rebuilding. The bill makes money available for fiscal year 2013 for the recovery from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. Introduced Nov. 2 and sent to a committee on appropriations and another committee on the budget.

REGULATION

Rule follows federal emissions guidelines

Florida: The Department of Environmental Protection has proposed to amend the rule to address revised federal emissions guidelines for existing large municipal waste combustors. Rule adopted Oct. 31 and effective Dec. 1.

Hazardous waste rule change proposed

Alabama: The Department of Environmental Management has proposed amending rules regarding trans-boundary shipments of hazardous waste for recovery within the organization for economic cooperation and development. The rule would incorporate changes to ensure consistency with state and federal laws. Proposed Oct. 31. Comment deadline Dec. 13.

Board eliminated and replaced

California: A proposal from the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery would update rules for the abolishment of the California Integrated Waste Management Board and the creation of the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. Rule adopted Nov. 13.

E-waste program scope clarified in rule

Connecticut: A proposal from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection clarifies the scope of the e-waste recycling program, including certain exclusions for activities that are incidental for transportation. The proposal amends the information that a covered electronic recycler must provide in an application to the department and lowers the insurance coverage required for certain downstream recycling and disposal facilities that do not dismantle, shred, crush or similarly process whole, covered electronic devices. Rule adopted Nov. 13.

Stormwater discharge rules proposed

Virginia: A proposal from the Department of Conservation and Recreation reauthorizes and amends the general permit for stormwater discharges from small municipal separate storm systems. Changes from the proposal include the incorporation of water-quality requirements for impaired waters and total maximum daily loads, and minimum prescriptive measures regarding public notification and reporting. Proposed Oct. 16 with a comment deadline Jan. 4.

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