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House extends waste-tire recycling program and moves oversight to DEQ
Summary
Lawmakers moved a tire-recycling provision from health code to environmental code and extended the program's sunset five years in HB215, amid debate over remaining tire piles and program market readiness; the bill passed 65–4.
The Utah House passed House Bill 215, which transfers a waste-tire recycling provision from the health code to the environmental code and extends the program's sunset date by five years. Sponsor Representative Neil B. Hendrickson said the Department of Environmental Quality requested the transfer and that the extension would "help those that are currently made investments to recycle tires" and ensure program funds are available.
During floor questioning Representative Murray asked bluntly whether the program had been "a dud." Hendrickson responded that the Department of Environmental Quality reported the state now has two remaining large tire piles (in Duchesne and Tooele counties) and that other piles have been cleaned up. He said stakeholders who process, haul and use recycled tires told the committee they believe the program is working.
Representative Wright spoke in support, saying the program had nearly eliminated large accumulations of tires statewide and that while markets might eventually make the program self-sustaining, the state was not ready to end it yet. Wright said extending the program would allow markets to develop and help existing industries that rely on it.
After summation from Hendrickson the House opened and closed voting; HB215 passed 65–4 and will be sent to the Senate for further action.
