Originally published January 4 2006
Government auditors say e-waste is not addressed by the EPA
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Environmental Protection Agency has not forced federal agencies or industries to deal with the e-waste problem, according to government auditors. A significant challenge is how to pay for and implement such a plan.
Federal efforts have raised the profile of a growing national problem: electronic waste.
But the Environmental Protection Agency is not forcing federal agencies or industry to do enough to deal with it, according to government auditors.
A congressional working group, a bill in the Senate and a Government Accountability Office report released yesterday each call for a national plan to address the problem.
Some of this electronics equipment ends up in landfills in the United States or in landfills overseas, where environmental standards are generally lower.
Under the measure, Congress would coordinate a recycling program to reuse obsolete computers and electronics equipment, in cooperation with the Congressional Budget Office, the Architect of the Capitol and other legislative branch offices.
Thompson, who introduced the motion last month, noted, "before we can enact a national plan, Congress needs its own plan to properly dispose of its own e-waste."
Some federal agencies pay for e-cycling from their existing budgets through a variety of specialized contracting programs.
The task force's founding purpose was to agree on a federal approach, generate enthusiasm on Capitol Hill and pass legislation.
So far, the working group has held two hearings with the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
The bill would offer tax credits to consumers and companies that do the same.
The bill would also direct the EPA to calculate the costs and benefits of creating a national e-waste recycling program.
The GAO released a report yesterday recommending the EPA draft legislation for a nationwide financing system to make e-cycling easier for consumers, companies and government.
The other, extended producer responsibility, requires product manufacturers to assume financial and physical responsibility for taking back their products for recycling or reuse.
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