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2009 SESSION

096914687
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 713
Offered January 14, 2009
Prefiled January 14, 2009
Requesting the Department of Environmental Quality to study the environmental impact of the expanded use of compact fluorescent light bulbs in the residential sector. Report.
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Patron-- Poindexter
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, starting with 100-watt bulbs in 2012, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will require most light bulbs to use 30 percent less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs; and

WHEREAS, by 2020, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will require most light bulbs to use 70 percent less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs; and

WHEREAS, the expanded use of compact fluorescent bulbs will play a major role in meeting the efficiency requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007; and

WHEREAS, while compact fluorescent light bulbs represent an energy efficient alternative, fluorescent bulbs contain mercury; and

WHEREAS, although there are no known health hazards from exposure to fluorescent lamps or bulbs that are intact, broken or improperly disposed-of fluorescent lamps or bulbs can contaminate the environment and be a threat to the human nervous system; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that over 800 million bulbs are currently produced each year to replace 800 million bulbs that are then disposed of; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Department of Environmental Quality be requested to study the environmental impact of the expanded use of compact fluorescent light bulbs in the residential sector.

In conducting its study, the Department of Environmental Quality shall examine the impact on landfills, proper disposal or recycling in private residences, and public education opportunities. The study should determine the most effective ways to encourage and promote the environmentally sound management of compact fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury. The Department of Environmental Quality shall include in its recommendations strategies for (i) educating consumers on the benefits of proper management of a product that contains mercury and the need to recycle such bulbs; (ii) publicizing options for proper disposal; and (iii) working with the private sector to develop ways to allow the public to conveniently recycle fluorescent light bulbs.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department of Environmental Quality for this study, upon request.

The Department of Environmental Quality shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2009, and shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2010 Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.