Maine's TUR Law Reauthorized

The former law encouraged a 30 percent reduction of toxics used, and mandated a 30 percent reduction in toxics released and hazardous waste generated by 1998. The law was very successful with the following reductions being achieved: 22 percent reduce in toxics used, 53 percent reduction in toxics releases, and 38 percent reduction in hazardous waste.

Under the new law companies are no longer mandated to make reductions. Instead, companies were mandated to set reduction goals and report them to the DEP by July 1, 2000. Companies are further mandated to report their progress in achieving these goals to the DEP in biennial reports in the years 2002, 2004, and 2006. While the law does not require companies to meet their projected goals, the law does require the DEP to make the company's goals and their progress in meeting the goals available to the public through the Internet as well as other means.

In 2002, ME DEP reviewed and finalized 2002 Toxics and Hazardous Waste Reduction Reports and provided technical assistance to the reporters.