Texas Governor Vetos E-Waste Bill
In what some legislators and environmentalists call a surprise decision, Texas Governor Rick Perry vetoed a bill that would have created a manufacturer-funded plan to collect and recycle waste TVs.
Boston Program Loans Residents Energy Use Monitoring Devices
Last week, Boston officials announced they would begin making available to city residents devices used to display the energy consumption of electronics and electrical appliances.
North Carolina Prepares To Ban Plastic Bags In Three Counties
On Monday, the North Carolina Senate passed a bill that would ban single-use plastic bags in the state’s Outer Banks region beginning on September 1, 2009.
EPA Issues New Carbon Nanotubes Safety Regulations
In a possible sign that it is focusing greater attention to the emerging issue of nanomaterials safety, the US Environmental Protection Agency published new rules for the safe handling of carbon nanotubes.
European Commission Schedules Scientific Hearing On Nanotechnology Risks
The European Commission’s Directorate General (DG) for Health and Consumers announced last week it will be conducting a “scientific hearing” on risk assessment of nanotechnologies.
Canada Officially Bans Bisphenol-A In Baby Bottles
In a widely expected action on Tuesday, the Canadian government gazetted an order adding bisphenol-A (BPA) to Schedule I of the Hazardous Products Act. The substance will be banned from use in polycarbonate baby bottles.
European Commission Threatens Italy With Fines Over Landfills
Last week, the European Commission issued a “final warning” to Italy before attempting to impose fines on the country for non-compliance with the EU Landfill Directive (99/31/EC).
Industry Survey Shows Energy-From-Waste Will Lead UK Landfill Diversion Efforts
A survey released last week by the United Kingdom's Chartered Institution of Wastes Management found energy-from-waste (EfW) will be responsible for 37 percent of the nation’s landfill diversion.
Bulletin Weekly Newsbriefs - June 26, 2009
Government and Regulatory:
- Michigan Bill Would Pay Informants For Tips On Litterers
- Danish Environmental Minister: "Chemical Cocktails" Regulations Urgently Needed
- Chinese Agency Pressures Market Managers On Plastic Bag Law Compliance
- Michigan DEQ Temporarily Closes Offices To Cut Costs
Statistics and Trends:
- New Hong Kong Recycling Centers Will Create Jobs
- Boston Goes Single Stream On Curbside Recycling
Business Initiatives:
- DSD Releases Upbeat 2008 Environmental Performance Report
- European Plastics Converters Launch Energy Efficiency Research Effort
- Leading Italian Food Coop Migrates To Biodegradable Plastic Bags
- British Soft Drink Association Releases Sustainability Progress Report
The Green Perspective:
- EWG Writes FDA About Deca-DBE Contamination From Plastic Pallets
- Are DOE's Proposed Fluorescent Lamp Efficiency Standards Too Weak?
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