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Mercury Reduction Act of 2002

Introduced: February 15, 2001 Introduced by: Collins, Susan M. Republican · Maine See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 13 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Sep 23, 2002
Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Sep 9, 2002
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Sep 9, 2002
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Sep 9, 2002
Received in the House.
Sep 5, 2002
Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S8333-8334)
Sep 5, 2002
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S8333-8334)
Sep 5, 2002
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8329-8334; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S8331-8332)
Aug 28, 2002
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 553.
Aug 28, 2002
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Jeffords under authority of the order of the Senate of 07/29/2002 with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 107-243.
Jun 27, 2002
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Feb 15, 2001
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1492-1493)
Feb 15, 2001
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1491-1492)
Feb 15, 2001
Introduced in Senate
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service
Mercury Reduction Act of 2002 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to: (1) prohibit the sale or supply of mercury fever thermometers to consumers, except by prescription; and (2) require manufacturers to provide clear instructions on handling of thermometers to avoid breakage and on proper cleanup in the event of breakage.

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants for a household mercury thermometer collection and exchange program.

Establishes a Task Force on Mercury to make recommendations on: (1) the long-term management of surplus mercury collected from thermometers and from medical, commercial, government, and industrial and other sources; (2) programs to test technologies for sequestration of retired mercury; (3) storage of mercury in a manner that ensures no release into the environment; (4) reduction of the total threat posed by mercury to humans and the environment; and (5) reduction of mercury produced, used, and released.

Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Task Force, to: (1) take title to mercury collected under the thermometer exchange program or from another source; (2) manage the mercury in a manner that prevents its release into the environment; (3) ensure that collected mercury is not reintroduced into commerce; (4) provide to the Task Force an analysis of, and recommendations concerning, collection and management activities under this Act; and (5) identify stabilization technologies and long-term storage measures that prevent mercury release and conduct appropriate research, development, and demonstration.

Authorizes appropriations.

What's happening now September 23, 2002

Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3