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Mike Thompson, Gene Green Issue Statement on Formation of New E-Waste Task Force

Statement

Date: July 20, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Technology and Communication

Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Gene Green (D-TX) today issued the following joint statement regarding the release of the Obama Administration's "National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship," which outlines an action plan to promote the responsible use, reuse, and recycling of U.S. electronic waste:

"We are pleased that the Obama Administration is committed to addressing the growing issue of electronics waste, which now represents the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. Furthermore, we applaud the President for working not only with government agencies, but also the private sector to identify potential challenges and solutions to our e-waste problem. Private industry's perspective will be invaluable as we continue to develop workable and responsible e-waste policies.

"But while today's announcement is an important first step in the fight against electronic waste, there is still more to be done. Currently, the administration has limited authority to prevent the shipment of hazardous or sensitive e-waste to developing nations. That's why Congress must supplement the President's proposal with legislation to carefully regulate the export of e-waste, particularly when it poses a significant environmental, health, and national security threat."

In response to growing concern about the proper disposal of an increasing number of discarded consumer electronic products, Congressmen Thompson and Green recently introduced H.R. 2284, The Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2011, bipartisan legislation to prohibit the exportation of some electronics whose improper disposal may create environmental, health, or national security risks. In addition to promoting the responsible recycling of e-waste, the bill also promotes the domestic recycling industry by bringing well-paying recycling jobs back to the U.S. Companion legislation, S. 1270, has also been introduced in the Senate by Senators Whitehouse, Brown, and Murkowski.


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