Earth Day Accomplishment: Bills move through committee

Posted on Apr 23, 2009

After yesterday’s Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee hearing, New Yorkers are one step closer to protection from several toxic chemicals in consumer products. Led by Committee Chairman Robert Sweeney, bills on three JustGreen priority issues were reported out of the Assembly Committee.

New York State legislation requiring the phase out of Bisphenol A (Assembly Bill A6919b) from young children’s products and food containers builds on Suffolk County’s first in the nation ban on BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, moving to protect our most vulnerable residents from the impacts of toxic chemicals. Bisphenol A has been linked to many different health affects at very low levels of exposure.

A7573 would out phase out a toxic flame retardant, decaBDE, from furniture, certain electronic devices, and mattresses manufactured or sold in NYS. This bill follows on laws passed in Maine and Washington State.

Advocates were also pleased with the report of a producer responsibility electronic waste bill (A7571). The electronics equipment and recycling act requires manufacturers to develop an e-waste management plan and establishes a program for recycling, reuse and safe handling of electronic equipment sold in the state of New York.

All three bills will now go to the Assembly Codes Committee. Bills on these topics are pending in the New York State Senate.