As many of you know, I have been working for two years to ensure that the residents of Illinois have an environmentally-acceptable program in which to dispose of cell phones, T.V.s, printers, computers and other electronic devices. The Bill (SB 2313) has passed both chambers and is awaiting the Governor's signature. I'm pleased and proud that USA Today has featured this legislation and its importance across the country. Please feel free to comment or provide your input!
States: Keep old TVs out of landfills
A survey conducted this year by the Consumer Electronics Association indicates only 12% of households with analog TVs say they will buy a new digital TV. About 48% of respondents said they plan to buy a converter box.
As the switch to digital TV nears, concern about old TVs piling up in landfills has prompted state and local governments to develop recycling programs.
New York City and 11 states have passed laws, including four this year, to set up television recycling programs paid for by manufacturers, according to the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, an alliance of non-profit groups that promote responsible recycling. And California has a law that requires people to pay for TV recycling.
On Feb. 17, TV broadcasts will switch from analog signals to digital. The switch, mandated by Congress in 2005, will be the biggest change in TV technology since the leap from black-and-white to color a half-century ago.
To avoid a blank screen, households with analog TVs will need to do one of three things: Subscribe to cable or satellite service, get a converter box or buy a digital TV. About 70 million TVs nationwide could be affected because they rely on antennas to receive free over-the-air signals.
In Illinois, the TV switch helped win support this year for a bill that requires manufacturers to pay for the recycling of TVs and computers, said the bill's sponsor, Democratic state Sen. Susan Garrett. It passed the Legislature last month, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected to sign it, spokesman Lucio Guerrero said.
August 19, 2008
My e-waste legislation makes USA Today!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I had the privilege of seeing you defend this legislation during a committee hearing in Springfield. You faced a lot of tough questions with grace and intelligence, and it was inspiring to see you in action. Congratulations on your success!
Excellent work! Thank you.
Post a Comment