The New York State Caucus of Environmental Legislators held a press conference today calling for the passage of several key environmental bills, including Assemblyman Stirpe’s legislation to create a paint stewardship program in the state of New York. This legislation, which has gained bipartisan support in both houses, will help save taxpayer dollars, reduce waste and encourage environmentally sound management practices (A.6199-A).

“Our local governments are already struggling to balance budgets, maintain infrastructure and provide necessary services to their residents. The least we can do is to ensure they’re not also left to collect and dispose of unused paint,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “Not only will this legislation save taxpayer money, it will create green jobs, reduce waste, increase efficiency and help protect our environment.”

The legislation would require each paint manufacturer who sells, offers for sale or distributes in New York to form or join a not-for-profit organization to implement the paint stewardship program. This organization, under the supervision of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, would establish agreements to collect, transport, reuse, recycle or burn for energy recovery post-consumer paint in an environmentally friendly manner. The legislation would also create a take-back program, like those already established for electronic waste, to help ensure post-consumer paint is disposed of safely and responsibly.

“Municipalities spent $41 million last year for a marginally successful program,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “The paint stewardship program, under the supervision of the DEC, is fully funded and won’t cost the state a penny.”

About 10 percent of paint purchased in New York State goes unused, resulting in approximately 3.1 million gallons of paint wasted each year. By partnering with the paint industry, we can help our local governments save money, increase recycling opportunities and ensure our communities are clean and healthy, noted Assemblyman Stirpe.

Assemblyman Stirpe’s legislation is one of six key bills chosen by the New York State Environmental Legislators Caucus as an end-of-session priority in their quest to build a greener, healthier New York State. The other pieces of legislation include the Child Safe Products Act, the Microbead-Free Waters Act, a bill pertaining to the uniform treatment of hazardous waste, legislation dealing with crude oil storage and a bill to create a community solar program.