A04502 Summary:

SAME AS    No same as                                                          
                                                                               
SPONSOR    Stringer                                                            
                                                                               
COSPNSR    Colton                                                              
                                                                               
MLTSPNSR                                                                       
                                                                               
Add S143, Pub Bldgs L                                                          
Prohibits the use of polystyrene plastic packaging for the service of prepared 
food by state concessionaires from state buildings or grounds.                 

A04502 Actions:

02/19/2003 referred to governmental operations                                 
01/07/2004 referred to governmental operations                                 

A04502 Votes:

A04502 Memo:

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the public buildings law, in                 
relation to prohibiting the use of polystyrene plastic packaging for           
food by state concessionaires                                                  
                                                                               
 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL : Prohibits the use of polystyrene            
plastic packaging for the service of prepared food by state                    
concessionaires from state buildings or grounds.                               
                                                                               
 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS : The public buildings law is amended          
by adding a new section 143.                                                   
                                                                               
 JUSTIFICATION : Polystyrene (Styrofoam) is a known environmental              
hazard because it is not bio-degradable and clogs up landfills.                
Furthermore, it can`t be burned because it emits toxic chemicals.  In          
recent years, many fast food restaurants and food retailers have               
acknowledged the harm caused by polystyrene and have discontinued its          
use for packaging. Despite the widely recognized problems that                 
polystyrene causes, some food establishments that operate concessions          
on State owned or leased property (including those in the Empire State         
Plaza), still use polystyrene to package meals.  This bill would               
prevent polystyrene use by any food establishment that has a                   
concession from New York State or any local government within the              
State.                                                                         
                                                                               
 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :                                                   
                                                                               
A.1733 (2001-02): Reported from Governmental Operations to Rules               
                                                                               
A. 7540 (1999-2000): Referred to Governmental Operations                       
                                                                               
 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : None.                                                   
                                                                               
 EFFECTIVE DATE : This act shall take effect on the first of January           
next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.