KPLU Local News
(2010-03-12)
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SEATTLE
(KPLU) -
State lawmakers have just wrapped up the regular session in Olympia. They considered a raft of environmental proposals. Some passed, some didn't.
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One of the winners was a measure to ban the chemical Bisphenol A in plastic baby bottles, sports bottles and other uses. BPA has been linked to developmental problems in fetuses and small children.
Meanwhile, starting in 2013, you'll be able to recycle your fluorescent light bulbs for free. Manufacturers will pay for a take-back program to help keep the mercury in the bulbs out of the environment. Suellen Mele is with Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation, which pushed for that measure.
"The bill will allow residents to use these energy-efficient lights with the confidence that there's going to be a safe and free-of-charge recycling option for them."
Also, lawmakers voted to phase out copper in auto brake pads to keep the heavy metal out of waterways where it harms salmon.
Bills that didn't survive include measures to make TVs more energy-efficient and to allow local governments to finance energy upgrades in homes and businesses.
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