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Lawmakers highlight recycling law changes and urge swift NextGen communications rollout; nonprofit reporting urged
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Summary
Senators and representatives discussed the recently enacted amendment to the Recycling Act (Public Law 24-12), advanced disposal fees to reduce junk cars, and the NextGen communications upgrade; the House also urged Micronesian Legal Service to submit expenditure reports for prior appropriations.
Senator Manny Castro told the House that the recent amendment to the Recycling Act of 1999 — now Public Law 24-12 after the governor’s signature — allows the Department of Public Works to implement advanced disposal fees intended to reduce junk cars and improve waste diversion. On the floor, Castro described a model in which an advanced disposal fee (he suggested a possible range of $100 to $300) would be collected at vehicle purchase and refundable when a vehicle reaches end of life and is properly recycled. He also praised an existing container redemption pilot (referred to in testimony as a "5¢ program") and urged DPW to operationalize the statutory changes.
"So rather than using government expenses to take care of litter, we can actually put the burden back on the person responsible," Castro said, describing how advanced disposal fees and redemption incentives could reduce roadside junk cars. He cited examples of similar diversion programs in the 50 U.S. states and the Republic of Palau and thanked Governor Apatang for signing the measure into law (Public Law 24-12).
Separately under miscellaneous business, Representative Marissa Flores praised the House’s action on the NextGen communications system, saying the upgrade is essential for public safety and emergency response and urging senators to collaborate so the system can transition smoothly once Senate approval is obtained. Flores noted that larger population districts, particularly the Third Senatorial District, have greater service needs and called for continued inter-district cooperation on funding distribution.
Also noted during miscellaneous business was an expenditure report submission by Micronesian Legal Service for local appropriation Local Law 22-05, section 2(n). Representative Marissa Flores recommended that the House extend the nonprofit additional time or request updates and that, once appropriations are exhausted, nonprofits furnish final expenditure reports or updates on goals and objectives tied to the funds.
None of these floor remarks created binding operational deadlines on the floor; they reflect policy positions, thanks for recent executive action on the recycling law, and requests for administrative follow-up and reporting.
