SENATE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 1169

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: NOVEMBER 17, 1997

 

      The Senate Environment Committee favorably reports Assembly Bill No. 1169 (1R).

      The "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act," P.L.1991, c.520 (C.13:1E-99.44 et seq.) requires manufacturers of packaging or packaging materials to reduce the amounts of toxic substances added to packages or packaging components used to market products sold within New Jersey. The act is based on model legislation drafted by the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG). Eighteen states nationwide have enacted legislation based on the model.

      This bill would revise the "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act" according to recommendations proposed by CONEG. The bill would extend to January 1, 2000 the exemption for packaging or packaging components with post-consumer waste material, and broaden that exemption to apply to recycled materials. The bill would clarify the definition of "incidental presence" and "intentionally introduced." The bill would also add an exemption for reusable packaging. Additional provisions of the bill provide for two year renewals of certain exemptions, incorporate an exemption for decorated glass and ceramic packaging, and define various terms. Finally, the bill revises a reference to the Source Reduction Task Force of CONEG.

      This bill is identical to Senate Bill No. 2268.