§ 6-904. Findings[Amendment subject to abrogation]

   The General Assembly finds that:

   (1) Mercury is a persistent and toxic pollutant that bioaccumulates in the environment;

   (2) Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish poses a significant health threat;

   (3) Combustion of municipal and other solid waste is a source of mercury pollution;

   (4) Manufacture of new steel from mercury-containing scrap steel is a significant source of mercury pollution;

   (5) Both industry and government are working to reduce the content of mercury in products and to control the release of mercury into the environment;

   (6) Accidental mercury spills, breakages, and releases have occurred at schools in the United States, exposing students, teachers, and administrators to mercury emissions;

   (7) Removal of mercury and mercury-containing products from the waste stream prior to combustion or disposal is an effective way to reduce mercury pollution; and

   (8) The voluntary National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program has not removed a sufficient percentage of mercury-containing switches in the State to protect the environment.

HISTORY: 2001, ch. 639; 2009, ch. 60, § 5; ch. 713.