2010 Will Be a Big Year for Environmental Legislation
2010 will be a landmark year for the environmental sector as much-touted legislation and bills will officially go into effect.
Starting this week, several states and municipalities will enforce laws pertaining to proper disposal, recycling and pollution, among others.
While it’s a lot to keep up with, we thought we’d give you a quick rundown on some of the major legislation taking place.
Starting in August, the Empire State will be required to follow new building standards that will cut emissions. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
California: Recycling Mandate for Business and Apartments
The state’s Integrated Waste Management Board (IWMB) is formulating a program that will encourage businesses, apartment complexes and mobile home parks to institute recycling. The mandatory recycling directive will most likely set goals for cities and counties, allowing them to implement individual programs as long as they comply. Start date: Jan. 1, 2010
Minnesota: BPA Ban in Children Products
A new Minnesota law is banning the presence of Bispenol A (BPA) in food and beverage containers targeted for children under three-years-old, such as plastic baby bottles. The North Star State is the first to ban BPA, which has come under fire for possible health concerns. Start date: Jan. 1, 2010
United Kingdom: Mandatory Battery Recycling
British retailers selling more than 32 kg (approximately 70 pounds) of batteries per year will be required to offer free collection and recycling under a new British law. Start date: Feb. 1, 2010
United States: EPA Lead Paint Safety Requirements
EPA’s rule will cover renovations of facilities built before 1978, aiming to protect children from exposure to lead-based paint. Under the new law, “Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program,” workers will have lead-safe work practice standards and required certification/training for paid contractors and maintenance professionals. Start date: April 2010
New York: State Green Construction Building Act
The new law will require all future construction and major renovation projects on New York state government buildings to follow new building standards set by the New York Office of General Services. Start date: Aug. 27, 2010
Delaware: Plastic Bag Recycling Legislation
The state of Delaware joined a handful of other U.S. states and cities to pass legislation requiring expanded consumer access to plastic bag recycling. Similar to those already passed in the states of California and New York, the new law requires retailers and chain stores that give out plastic bags to consumers to provide collection bins for their recycling. Start date: August 2010
As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments.
The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.
Grant
posted on January 24th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
This is nonsense. You call this a list of major environmental legislation happening in 2010? What about ANYTHING related to climate change??? What about the Cap and Trade bill? What about anything related to fossil fuels?
I suppose your corporate partners (ExxonMobil among them) don’t want you mentioning any legislation that hurts their bottom line.
Recycling and chemical safety are only a small part of the whole story of environmental legislation in 2010. I urge my fellow readers to look elsewhere for reliable information on what’s coming up. Then write your representatives and tell them you want REAL climate change legislation passed!
Chanel Gomez
posted on March 10th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
There are some good checklists that contractors can find online that give
them all the new laws they have to abide by to do these types of remodels or
work on a lead-based property. They also have good safety checklists for
when on are the job. Those checklists would be helpful to make sure they
don’t forget any steps in this new process.
Hope that is helpful!
-Chanel Gomez