NEWS

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002

GARRETT RECOGNIZED FOR WORK ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Garrett receives Exceptional Leadership for a State Legislator Award from the Illinois Recycling Association

SPRINGFIELD, IL— State Senator Susan Garrett (D – Lake Forest) was honored with the Exceptional Leadership for a State Legislator Award from the Illinois Recycling Association today.

Senator Garrett is a member of the General Assembly’s Environmental Caucus, which is a bipartisan group of legislators who work to increase awareness of environmental concerns and prioritizes issues and bills to come before the General Assembly.

As one of the General Assembly’s “green legislators,” Senator Garrett has demonstrated a commitment to environmental and recycling issues. Over the course of the 95th General Assembly, Garrett has been at the forefront of negotiations which have led to the passing of the Electronic Products and Recycling Act in both chambers.

Under the program, television, computer, and computer monitor manufacturers are responsible for recycling or processing for reuse an amount of electronic devices using a formula based on their market share. Retailers are responsible for informing the public about the statewide program, and opportunities for collection of electrical devices.

“It is an honor for me to be recognized by the Illinois Recycling Association,” said Garrett. “This year’s General Assembly has produced quality legislation which is good for the environment and I will continue to work hard to meet the standards this award represents.”

The Illinois Recycling Association (IRA), a not-for-profit organization, was formed in 1980 as the Illinois Association of Recycling Centers, and changed its name to IRA in 1990. It currently has 250 members consisting of municipal, county, and state recycling coordinators, businesses, haulers and processors, not-for-profit organizations, consultants, and manufacturers of recycled-content products.