Rhode Island Governor Passes Paint Stewardship Law
PROVIDENCE, RI - Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee has signed into law the nation's fourth program requiring paint manufacturers to safely manage leftover latex and oil-based paint from households and painting contractors. The legislation was supported by the paint industry and resulted from a multi-stakeholder negotiation facilitated by the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI).
The bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Ruggerio and Representative Donna Walsh, will slash tax dollars spent on paint disposal, increase recycling jobs and reduce waste. Similar laws have also passed in Oregon, California and Connecticut in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively.