AUGUSTA - Legislation to support and improve municipal recycling programs and decrease property taxes, LD 1541, advanced out of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources with bipartisan support on Monday.
The measure establishes an extended producer responsibility program, otherwise known as "EPR for Packaging." The program would make producers responsible for paying costs associated with the recycling and disposal of their product packaging, instead of placing the financial burden on municipalities and taxpayers.
"There is no question that municipalities are struggling with the costs and complexities of the shifting waste management landscape and that they would like to support recycling programs," said Grohoski. "EPR for Packaging programs are successful all over the world-increasing recycling rates at no additional cost to consumers. The committee's support positions Maine to finally meet its long-standing recycling goals, benefitting our communities and environment without causing undue burden on our small businesses."
"Some of the largest corporations in the world are passing the costs of disposing of their packaging on to Maine property taxpayers," said Sen. Rick Bennett, R-Oxford, lead Senate cosponsor of the bill. "I was pleased to see the committee accept several of my amendments which will help small Maine businesses."
"LD 1541 will deliver relief to Maines cities and towns who are struggling to keep their recycling programs afloat," said Sarah Nichols, director of Sustainable Maine. "We're grateful for the hard work and leadership of Rep. Grohoski, Sen. Bennett and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for working together to develop a strong bill that will save taxpayer money, improve recycling and protect Maine's small businesses."
LD 1541 now faces further votes in the House and Senate.
Grohoski, a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, is serving her second term in the Maine House of Representatives. She represents the communities of Ellsworth and Trenton.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Grohoski], c. 812-1111