Bill would create recycling program for old electronics destined for the dump
A bill headed to Kulongoski’s office will create a statewide recycling program for old computers, computer monitors and televisions among other electronic devices that would otherwise end up in landfills polluting the environment.
“With more and more electronics becoming obsolete, we need to make sure we handle this waste in an environmentally responsible way,” said Sen. Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin) in a press release. “This bill will make sure we dispose of electronics properly and keep toxic materials out of our water supply.”
The electronics to be recycled will be dismantled, disassembled, shredded, transformed or re-manufactured into usable or marketable raw materials or products.
Kulongoski signs bill requiring Oregon utility cos. to generate renewable energy
The future of renewable energy in Oregon just got a whole lot brighter as Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed a bill into law Wednesday requiring Oregon’s utility companies to generate 25 percent of electricity from renewable sources by the year 2025.
“This bill is the most significant environmental legislation we can enact in more than 30 years that will also stimulate billions of dollars in investment – creating hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs in both urban and rural Oregon,” Kulongoski said in a press release.
The production of electricity is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gasses, following transportation emissions. Every four to five years the utility companies must gradually increase the percentage of renewable energy sources they use to generate electricity.
Some of the more popular renewable energy sources include wind energy, solar panel and solar thermal energy, wave, tidal and ocean thermal energy.