SECTION 1.   There is hereby established a working group to study recyclable alternatives to polystyrene food and beverage containers. The working group shall report its findings and conclusions to the general court and make recommendations regarding any necessary legislative and regulatory changes which are suggested by those findings and conclusions. The first meeting of the working group shall take place within 60 days after the effective date of this act.    

SECTION 2.   The working group shall consist of 8 members: the chairpersons of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, or their designees, who shall serve as the co-chairs of the working group; the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, or that person’s designee; the secretary of the Department of Housing and Economic Development, or that person’s designee, the undersecretary of the Massachusetts Department of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, or that person’s designee; the president of the New England Franchise Association, or that person’s designee; the president of the American Franchisee Association, or that person’s designee; and the President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, or that person’s designee.

SECTION 3. In carrying out its charge, the working group shall examine, report on, and make recommendations regarding existing and potential future recyclable alternatives to polystyrene packaging for food and beverage containers, the environmental impact of such alternatives, the economic feasibility of such alternatives, and the economic impact of a ban on the use of polystyrene in food and beverage containers as of January 1, 2019 and make formal legislative and regulatory recommendations regarding economically feasible mechanisms for eliminating the use of polystyrene as a food and beverage container in favor of recyclable, environmentally friendly alternatives.

SECTION 4. The working group shall solicit advice from such persons and entities as it deems necessary, including industry experts, franchisees, affected business owners, environmental experts, environmental advocacy groups, engineers, franchisors, and business leaders.

SECTION 5. The working group shall file a report containing its recommendations, including legislation and regulations necessary to carry out its recommendations, with the joint committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture and the clerks of the house and senate not later than 9 months following the first meeting of the working group.