AeA Supports Mayor Bloomberg’s Veto on Electronic Waste Ordinance

Albany, NY (May 14, 2008) – The New York City Council voted earlier today to override Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s veto of Introductory Number 729, which would have amended the “Electronic Equipment Collection Recycling and Reuse Act” to impose minimum collection standards on manufacturers of covered electronic equipment. AeA, the nation’s largest high tech trade association, opposes collection standards at any level and fully supports Mayor Bloomberg’s decision to veto this ordinance.

“AeA would like to express its disappointment regarding the decision of the New York City Council to override Mayor Bloomberg’s veto of Intro 729,” said Justin Wright AeA’s Northeastern Policy Director. “AeA does not support the use of performance measurements, particularly those that enforce strict penalties regardless of manufacturer compliance and success with the particular recycling program. Additionally, manufacturers cannot compel or require private citizens to turn in their property at all, let alone according to some statutory schedule.”

Intro 729 specifically would require manufacturers to collect covered electronic equipment in an amount that is equal to a percentage of the weight of covered electronic equipment sold by the manufacturer in the City during the pervious three calendar years.

Wright continued, “AeA and its member companies support the proper management and disposal of all electronic equipment, however, we believe that New York City’s Intro 729 simply places over-burdensome requirements onto manufacturers.”

For more information of AeA’s stage government affairs issues in New York, please visit www.aeanet.org/newyork.

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About AeA
AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs. For more information, please visit www.aeanet.org.

This page was last updated on 05/14/08.