Sec. 9. Chemical lists. The Department of Environmental Protection shall review existing toxic chemical lists and report back to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resources matters its recommended action regarding chemical lists, reporting thresholds and existing toxicity information on or before January 1, 2001.

SUMMARY

This bill extends Maine's toxics use reduction laws by establishing a goal-setting program for toxics release, toxic use and hazardous waste reductions. The bill further refines the toxics use, toxics release and hazardous waste reduction program with a recognition program for high performers and establishes the Department of Environmental Protection assistance to nonperformers and plan-summary submission requirements for nonperformers. Penalties for failure to submit reporting documents are established. The bill further incorporates pollution prevention into state policy and requires the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to lead the development of an environmental management system for state facilities.