NRC MEMBERSHIP CALL TO ACTION!
SUPPORT KEY RECYCLING PROVISIONS IN THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE
Congress and the new Administration are preparing a major
economic stimulus package, now being referred to as a “recovery”
package, on the order of $850-900 Billion. NRC staff have been
monitoring the development of the package and have explored
opportunities to affect the substance of the package as it may support
the mission of the organization, either in regard to providing
incentives for investment in recycling infrastructure or for promoting
demand for recycled materials. Those opportunities have been somewhat
limited by the approach taken by the incoming Administration and
Congress to construct and then negotiate the package. As a result,
NRC had to be selective and prudent in what it asked for and
expected. We all would have liked to do much more.
Nonetheless, the package that has been approved by the
House of Representatives includes a major component that can be the
basis for recycling and source reduction investment, but at the
discretion of local communities. Specifically, the House package
contains a $3.5 Billion dollar appropriation for the Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Block Grants that were authorized by the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007. Under Section 544, Item 10,
the funds may be used for “activities to increase participation and
efficiency rates for material conservation programs, including source
reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that
lead to increases in energy efficiency. [emphasis added].
Given the circumstances and structure of the stimulus
package, NRC is asking its members to:
1. Contact your Representatives and Senators during the week of
February 2, and ask for their support in retaining this appropriation
in the final bill that is sent to President Obama for signature. A
sample letter and Fact Sheet are attached, but we strongly urge you to
customize the letter as you see fit. Congressional staff will always
pay more attention to non-form letters.
2. Contact your state and local leaders that this appropriation
provides an opportunity to use stimulus funds to invest in recycling.
Based on your personal knowledge, you may be able to identify local
projects, such as upgrading equipment at material recovery facilities,
or buying and deploying recycling bins that the local government
should consider in making use of the funds.
We believe this two-step process will ensure visibility for
the recycling component of the stimulus package and provide an avenue
for advocating use of stimulus funds for specific local projects.
Going forward, there is already discussion about the need
for a second phase stimulus package later this year. By bringing
visibility to recycling issues at this time, we enhance our ability to
successfully advocate for inclusion of additional, refined, and
targeted recycling incentives in later bills.
Click here for a sample letter to your Senator/Congressman.
Click here for a Recycling: Stimulating the Economy with Green Jobs fact sheet.
|
