05 LC
21 8031
House
Resolution 170
By:
Representatives Drenner of the
86th,
Benfield of the
85th,
Gardner of the
57th,
and Henson of the
87th
A
RESOLUTION
Creating
the Joint Solid Waste Trust Fund Study Committee; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
the natural environment is a precious resource of this state and its protection
is a crucial component to the future prosperity of Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
the director of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of
Natural Resources is charged with primary responsibility for the solid waste
management program, including implementation of the policies outlined in the
"Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act" and the coordination of
activities with those of other state agencies and local political jurisdictions
to achieve a unified and effective solid waste management program in the state;
and
WHEREAS,
the Environmental Protection Division implements the solid waste management
program through the use of the Solid Waste Trust Fund which is funded by the
fees collected on the sale of new replacement tires in Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
the fee will sunset on June 30, 2005, if not reauthorized by the General
Assembly; and
WHEREAS,
the rate of solid waste disposal in Georgia landfills is increasing;
and
WHEREAS,
the majority of solid waste is being disposed in privately owned landfills,
resulting in the transfer of waste over long distances and an increase in litter
along
Georgiás
roads and streams; and
WHEREAS,
many local governments lack resources to monitor and care for old and abandoned
landfills, to provide infrastructure to reduce the amount of waste going to
landfills, or to investigate and abate illegal dumps that are found in their
jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS,
a sound infrastructure for recycling supports Georgia industries that utilize
recovered materials for raw materials, and attracts new industries dedicated to
a sustainable environment; and
WHEREAS,
a study should be undertaken to assist the General Assembly in determining
appropriate funding for the Solid Waste Trust Fund.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that there is
created the Joint Solid Waste Trust Fund Study Committee to be composed of five
members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives and five members of the Senate to be appointed by the
Senate Committee on Assignments. The Speaker of the House of Representatives
shall designate a member of the House and the Senate Committee on Assignments
shall designate a member of the Senate who shall serve as cochairpersons of the
committee. The committee shall meet at the call of the cochairpersons. The
committee may conduct such meetings at such places and at such times as it may
deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its
powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of this
resolution. The legislative members of the committee shall receive the
allowances provided for in Code Section 28-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated. Funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution shall
come from the funds appropriated to the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The expenses and allowances authorized by this resolution shall not be received
by any member of the committee for more than five days unless additional days
are authorized.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee shall undertake a study of the
conditions, needs, issues, and problems described above and recommend any
actions or legislation that the committee deems appropriate. The committee shall
make a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly with
suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, no later than December 1, 2005.
The committee shall stand abolished on December 1, 2005.