Volume 13, Issue 2  •  Spring 2005

MRC Legislative Update

MRC submitted testimony for and supported two bills that passed in Maryland’s 2005 legislative session.

House Bill 575—Environment—Statewide Computer Recycling Pilot Program  

This bill establishes a fund within MDE that will be used to provide financial assistance to local jurisdictions in much the same manner as the EPA grant program and the previous MDE contract managed by MES.  Manufacturers are required to pay $5000 per year for five years to fund the program.  If a manufacturer has a take-back program or other relationship with a recycler or

local government to manage their material, the fee may be reduced by MDE.  It is hoped that this fund will assist local governments to maintain or expand their current electronic waste recycling programs.  The Department will undoubtedly be developing regulations to implement the legislation over the next several months and MDSWA will want to monitor their development.

House Bill 346—Procurement—Percentage Price Preference—Environmentally Preferable Products or Equipment  

This bill adds “environmentally preferable products or equipment” to Maryland’s current percentage price preference for recycled materials.  This legislation has had positive momentum before but has never been enacted because of fiscal concerns.  It will need to be monitored for a possible veto by the Administration.