Reps. Ruth Johnson, Vander Veen, Pappageorge, Amos, Shaffer, Kooiman, DeRossett, Hager, Acciavatti, LaJoy, Ehardt, Kolb and Rocca offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 24.

A resolution to urge the Department of Environmental Quality to take certain actions to address the issue of the disposal of used electronic equipment and materials.

Whereas, Electronic waste, specifically the cathode ray tubes in televisions and computer monitors, is a new and significant waste product stemming from our increasingly technology-based society; and

Whereas, Hazardous components within electronics equipment often contain toxic materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which, if released into the environment, can have a harmful effect on our natural resources. This is a national concern that is shared by the people of Michigan; and

Whereas, Electronics manufacturers and trade associations have acknowledged this concern and are working on design changes, supporting pilot collection programs, and participating in state and national dialogue; and

Whereas, Some Michigan communities have taken responsibility for recycling electronic waste that would otherwise go to municipal solid waste landfills and incinerators at costs that will only increase; and

Whereas, The adequacy of the infrastructure and the capacity for handling electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner are unknown; and

Whereas, Part 145 of 1994 PA 451, the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, charges the Department of Environmental Quality with responsibility for facilitating pollution prevention activities, including recycling; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Department of Environmental Quality to conduct an assessment of the unregulated electronic waste stream generated in Michigan and of the state's capacity for managing this waste. We ask that this assessment be completed by December 1, 2003; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the Department of Environmental Quality to establish an electronics recycling strategy that adequately and effectively addresses electronic waste generated in this state by focusing on the reuse and recycling of these materials. We urge that this strategy include public awareness initiatives to inform the public of the hazards of electronic waste; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Department of Environmental Quality.