House Wrestles with E-Waste Measures

Date: June 19, 2007

Source: News Room

A recent teleconference hosted by House E-Waste Working Group members including Rep. Albert Wynn, D-Md., chairman of the House Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, indicates a willingness to introduce a bill, but reluctance to impose fees.

Problems have arisen from disagreement between TV and computer manufacturers over costs and fees. The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) recently introduced a compromise that would let TV makers levy a point-of-sale fee, while computer makers would embrace producer responsibility.

Group member Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif. wants broad stakeholder support before moving forward with any legislation. Other sticking points include how to handle a federally-mandated national fee by a private entity as EIA proposes, and how the fee-based recycling approach will fit with producer responsibility laws already in place in six states with more expected to follow suit.

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