09 SR83/CA/1
Senate
Resolution 83
By:
Senators Staton of the 18th, Powell of the 23rd, Jackson of the 2nd, Douglas of
the 17th and Heath of the 31st
ADOPTED
SENATE
A
RESOLUTION
Creating
the Senate Study Committee on Green Information Technology; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that, in the
United States alone, 30 to 40 million personal computers (PC), 25 million
televisions, and 98 million cell phones will be ready for "end-of-life
management" in the next few years; and
WHEREAS,
the accumulation of electronic components which contain small quantities of
hazardous or dangerous materials and chemicals in landfills may pose a serious
threat to the citizens of Georgia; and
WHEREAS,
despite the efforts of many localities, a majority of citizens in Georgia do not
have access to or knowledge of electronics recycling or refurbishment programs;
and
WHEREAS,
many states across the United States, concerned with the cost of cleaning up
landfills and the environmental and human impacts, are passing legislation
requiring the recycling and reuse of electronic products; and
WHEREAS,
twelve states have taken steps to address the issue of electronics waste through
legislation, using a variety of different models; and
WHEREAS,
Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina have passed laws allowing
electronics manufacturers the freedom to tailor their own recycling programs,
which allows for convenience and cost benefit passed on to consumers;
and
WHEREAS,
many private companies, nonprofit organizations, and electronics manufacturers
have initiated free electronics recycling and refurbishment programs for
consumers to recycle their products; and
WHEREAS,
with rising energy costs, energy consumption and conservation are becoming more
important from an environmental and business cost perspective; and
WHEREAS,
information technology, programs, products, and solutions exist that enable
organizations and individuals to continue to be effective and efficient, while
also reducing their energy and environmental impact; and
WHEREAS,
organizations like the National Association of State Chief Information Officers,
National Governors Association, and the Climate Savers Computing Initiative have
encouraged private and public sector partnerships and participation in existing
programs and initiatives designed to reduce energy consumption and waste;
and
WHEREAS,
large technology vendors such as Dell, Sun Microsystems, Nortel, HP, IBM, Intel,
Microsoft, AMD, and many others are encouraging "green IT" programs and
initiatives in both the private and public sectors; and
WHEREAS,
a number of states like North Carolina, Indiana, and Ohio have adopted laws
requiring energy conservation and efficiency standards be considered by state
government when purchasing IT hardware or making capital improvements;
and
WHEREAS,
study is needed to determine the parameters and best implementation of
legislation for reducing energy consumption in the State of Georgia and ensuring
disposal of electronics waste does not result in health and environmental
hazards for the citizens of Georgia.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that there is created the Senate Study
Committee on Green Information Technology to be composed of three members of the
Senate appointed by the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate
shall designate a member of the committee as chairperson of the committee. The
chairperson shall call all meetings of the committee.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee shall undertake a study of the
collection, recycling, and reuse of electronic products, as well as energy
conservation programs and initiatives. Furthermore, the committee shall
recommend any action or legislation which the committee deems necessary or
appropriate. 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 members of the committee shall receive the
allowances provided for in Code Section 28-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated. The 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. The funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this
resolution shall come from the funds appropriated to the Senate. In the event
the committee makes a report of its findings and recommendations, with
suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, such report shall be made on or
before December 15, 2009. The committee shall stand abolished on December 15,
2009.