1. Undertake an analysis of plastics generation by type and current method of disposal;

2. Study the feasibility of expanding the State's bottle deposit laws to include containers made of high density polyethylene, polyethylene-terethphalate or polyvinyl chloride;

3. Study the feasibility of banning the incineration of polyvinyl chloride and other plastics;

4. Recommend market-based recycling opportunities for plastics; and

5. Recommend incentives for expanded in-state end uses for plastics; and be it further

Sec. 5. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall submit its report, together with any recommended implementing legislation to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resources matters no later than December 1, 2002. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resources matters may introduce legislation during the First Regular Session of the 121st Legislature; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That, upon approval of the Legislative Council, the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis shall provide staffing assistance to the commission. The Office of Fiscal and Program Review and state agencies shall also provide assistance as requested by the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the members of the commission who are Legislators are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 3, section 2, and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses related to their attendance at authorized meetings of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 8. Budget. Resolved: That the chairs of the commission, with assistance from the commission staff, shall administer the commission's budget. The commission may not incur expenses exceeding its approved budget. Upon request from the commission, the Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall promptly provide the commission and its staff with a status report on the commission's budget, expenditures incurred and remaining available funds.

SUMMARY

This resolve creates the Commission to Develop a Comprehensive Plan to Reduce Toxic Emissions and Expand Plastics Recycling to undertake an analysis of plastics generation by type and current method of disposal; study the feasibility of expanding the State's bottle deposit laws to include containers made of high density polyethylene, polyethylene-terethphalate or polyvinyl chloride; study the feasibility of banning the incineration of polyvinyl chloride and other plastics; recommend market-based recycling opportunities for plastics; and recommend incentives for expanded in-state end uses for plastics.

The commission is directed to submit its report, together with any recommended implementing legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resources matters no later than December 1, 2002.