Amendment #518 to H4400

Lithium-Ion Vehicle Battery Advisory Group

Representatives Jones of North Reading, Hill of Ipswich, Poirier of North Attleborough, Gifford of Wareham, Frost of Auburn and Smola of Warren move to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

SECTION XX. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there is hereby established within the executive office of energy and environmental affairs a Lithium-Ion Car Vehicle Battery Advisory Group to review, and advise the Legislature on policies pertaining to the recovery and recycling of lithium-ion vehicle batteries sold with motor vehicles in the commonwealth. The advisory group shall consult with local universities and research institutions that have conducted research in the area of battery recycling, manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles, and the recycling industry.

The advisory group shall consist of: the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, or a designee; the commissioner of environmental protection, or a designee; one member of the toxics use reduction institute; 3 members to be appointed by the governor, 1 member of the senate to be appointed by the senate president, 1 member of the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker, 1 member of the senate appointed by the senate minority leader,  1 member of the house of representatives appointed by the house minority leader.

The Lithium-Ion Car Battery Recycling Advisory Group shall submit its final report of the findings and recommendations to the executive office of energy and environmental affairs; the department of environmental protection; the joint committee on environment, natural resources and agriculture; and the clerks of the senate and the house no later than 1 year after the passage of this bill.