HCR 25 - STATE INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS EXCHANGE Number 248 CHAIR VEZEY opened the floor for discussion of CSHCR 25 announcing a zero fiscal note and that if passed it will proceed to House Rules. Number 259 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT, sponsor of CSHCR 25, began an overview of the contents. CSHCR 25 would acknowledge April as the State Materials Exchange Month. REPRESENTATIVE KOTT read his sponsor statement. (See attached.) CSHCR 25 is a joint effort of the public and private sector to reduce the flow of industrial waste into Alaska landfills. The Support Industry Alliance, British Petroleum, ARCO, and the DEC Pollution Prevention office are participants. Various materials will be for sale or just available at no cost. A computerized network or booklet will be available to locate available materials. Across Canada and the lower 48 states there are about two dozen material exchanges already in operation. These exchanges are saving the industry approximately $27 million annually and the equivalent of 100,000 barrels of oil. REPRESENTATIVE KOTT believed CSHCR 25 would foster responsible management of available resources in Alaska with minimal or no cost. There is great support for CSHCR 25. Number 319 CHAIR VEZEY wanted to clarify if REPRESENTATIVE KOTT meant mainly hazardous and toxic materials, not general construction materials. REPRESENTATIVE KOTT answered the materials could consist of anything. There is no limit. (i.e. large machinery) Number 324 CHAIR VEZEY stated hazardous and toxic waste has a very important role in our society and he clarified CSHCR 25 does relate to all industrial materials. Number 332 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT agreed. Number 333 CHAIR VEZEY inquired of the states role in the materials exchange process. Number 335 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT replied the state would facilitate the private and public sector to work together. Number 339 REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS indicated CSHCR 25 sounded like other recycling efforts and wanted to make sure CSHCR 25 would not be duplicating other business. Number 347 CHAIR VEZEY rejected CSHCR 25 as recycling, rather a redistribution of useful materials. A potentially hazardous material needs to be handled properly as long as it is useful, however, it becomes an expensive commodity when termed a hazardous waste and no longer needed. CSHCR 25 allows potential users to locate surplus supplies. Number 366 REPRESENTATIVE JERRY SANDERS agreed with the intent of CSHCR 25, however, he questioned the zero fiscal note and the desire government employees to facilitate the program for nothing. Number 372 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT responded he would not challenge the fiscal note and stated he was informed the employees would cooperate. The cost estimated at $30 would have to be absorbed and there would be little work to do. He noted the effort has been on-going and CSHCR 25 is merely recognizing April as the "kick-off month". This coincides with DEC's major promotional effort to prevent pollution. Number 387 CHAIR VEZEY stated if the amount of material being dumped in disposal sites would be reduced there would be substantial savings in future recycling efforts. CSHCR 25 is a statement of support for the program without mandating any programs or authorizing any funds. Number 398 REPRESENTATIVE SANDERS offered CSHCR 25 may have a negative fiscal note with more research. Number 402 CHAIR VEZEY agreed if the program was identified. CHAIR VEZEY also felt private industry would not support the resolution if it did not see CSHCR 25 as a place to save money. Number 404 REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS supported CSHCR 25 and proposed this effort may have been instigated by large companies due to DEC eliminating clean-up day after a reduction in its' budget. Number 421 REPRESENTATIVE KOTT did not know who began the program. DEC is merely beginning a campaign to include both the public and private sector in the clean up process. Number 430 REPRESENTATIVE ULMER moved CSHCR 25 to the committee and asked for individual recommendations. Number 435 CHAIR VEZEY asked if there were any objections, hearing none, the secretary noted the vote had unanimous consent, and the bill was passed around the committee for signatures and recommendations. CHAIR VEZEY called for a short recess at 9:10 a.m. and will reopen business with HB 240. (REPRESENTATIVE ULMER left the committee meeting at 9:10 a.m.)