Lincoln Chafee: “I rise in strong support and urge the adoption of H.R. 2024, the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management…”

“I rise in strong support and urge the adoption of H.R. 2024, the Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act. The bill is nearly identical to S. 619, legislation introduced by Senator Smith, reported by the Environment Committee and approved by the full Senate by voice vote on September 21, 1995. H.R. 2024 is an industry initiative developed to respond to the environmental threats posed by used, spent batteries. The approach is twofold. First, the bill promotes the recycling of rechargeable batteries through uniform labeling requirements and streamlined regulations for battery collection programs. Second, the bill limits mercury content in and phases out the use of mercury in certain batteries. The bill is straightforward and contains two titles. Title I would facilitate the efficient recycling of nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, small lead-acid rechargeable batteries, and rechargeable batteries used in consumer products through: One, uniform battery labeling requirements; two, streamlined regulatory requirements for battery collection programs; and three, the elimination of barriers to funding voluntary industry collection programs. Title II is intended to phase out the use of mercury in batteries, thus reducing the threat this material poses to our air and groundwater. H.R. 2024 and its Senate companion S. 619 are prime examples of industry's concern for the environment.”