Political News:
05/13/09
Legislation to assure the proper management of leftover paint is one of the 'under-the-radar' issues traveling through the Minnesota Capitol in the final days of the legislative session. And fittingly, it's the second time around for the bill.
On Tuesday, the Minnesota House approved S.F. 477 93-40 and sent it to a House-Senate conference committee.
Leftover paint is the largest component of Minnesota's waste stream other than electronics, about 1.3 mllion gallons per year (64 million gallons nationally). Local governments spend $4-5 million per year to handle the stuff. The bill would mandate that all manufacturers selling commercial or residential use paint at retail in Minnesota participate in a three-year pilot paint recycling program.
Last year, Gov. Pawlenty vetoed a similar bill because it contained a 'tax' (actually a fee) to pay for the stewardship program and paint recycling. This year, the final bill will likely authorize but not mandate a similar fee.
08/27/10
John Tuma: Two Current Conservation Champions
01/14/10
Conservation Groups Outline 2010 Priorities
10/28/09
Voter Center Ranks Legislators on Conservation
05/22/09
Legislators Cap Off Session on a Positive Note
05/18/09
Hot List: Conference Committee on H.F. 1231/S.F. 1651
05/08/09
Is the 2009 Legislature Heading for a Train Wreck?
05/04/09
Senate Hot List: Week of May 4
05/04/09
House Hot List: Week of May 4
04/24/09
Paint Stewardship Program Should Be A Slam Dunk -- But it Isn't
