The Environmental Quality Commission may adopt rules as necessary to implement ORS § 459A.860 to 459A.975. [2021 c.681 § 43]

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(Development of Recommendations on Producer Responsibility Requirements)

Sections 26, 26a, 43a, 44a and 58 (3) and (4), chapter 681, Oregon Laws 2021, provide:

(1) The Department of Environmental Quality shall evaluate any federal law that establishes a national program for the collection and recycling of paper products or packaging.

(2) If the department determines that the federal law substantially meets or exceeds the requirements and intent of sections 1 to 43 of this 2021 Act [459A.860 to 459A.975], the department shall include information on the federal law in a report to the Legislative Assembly. [2021 c.681 § 26]

(1) The Department of Environmental Quality shall conduct a statewide needs assessment to identify the contribution of different types of covered products to litter and marine debris in Oregon, the general locations where litter and marine debris prevention and cleanup of covered products is needed, and the extent to which litter and marine debris prevention and cleanup is needed.

(2) The needs assessment may include recommendations for adding litter and marine debris cleanup and prevention to the responsibilities of producer responsibility organizations and recommendations for funding such responsibilities. If the needs assessment does not include recommendations for adding new responsibilities for producer responsibility organizations, the report required under subsection (4) of this section must include an explanation of why such responsibilities are not needed to address the issue of litter and marine debris.

(3) In conducting the needs assessment, the Department of Environmental Quality shall consult with local governments, the Department of Transportation, the State Parks and Recreation Department, producer responsibility organizations and the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council.

(4) The Department of Environmental Quality shall provide a written report on its findings and recommendations for legislation, in the manner provided by ORS § 192.245, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the environment no later than September 15, 2026. [2021 c.681 § 26a]

(1) The Department of Environmental Quality shall study the compostability of covered products and the effects of covered products on composting systems. In conducting the study, the department shall:

(a) Examine the effects of covered products on compost facilities and finished compost;

(b) Consider trends, challenges, opportunities and relevant policies relating to composting and covered products;

(c) Consider the experience of compost facilities located in other states; and

(d) Develop recommendations for reducing environmental impacts while maintaining and enhancing the environmental and economic sustainability of Oregon’s compost industry.

(2) In conducting the study, the department shall consult with compost facilities serving Oregon, local governments, producer responsibility organizations serving Oregon and the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council.

(3) The department shall submit a final report and recommendations for legislation, in the manner provided by ORS § 192.245, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the environment no later than December 15, 2026. [2021 c.681 § 44a]

(3) Section 26 of this 2021 Act is repealed on January 2, 2027.

(4) Section 26a of this 2021 Act is repealed on January 2, 2027. [2021 c.681 § 58(3),(4)]

Sections 1 to 43 of this 2021 Act [459A.860 to 459A.975] are added to and made a part of ORS Chapter 459A. [2021 c.681 § 43a]