Requires certain State-funded construction projects to utilize plastic construction materials that contain certain amounts of postconsumer recycled content.
Summary
S677 requires certain State-funded construction projects to use plastic construction materials with specified amounts of postconsumer recycled content. The bill applies to plastic construction materials that are more than 50 percent plastic by cost and are used in construction projects supported in whole or part by State funds, including projects carried out by the State, counties, or municipalities. Beginning one year after the bill takes effect, covered projects may not use these materials unless they contain at least 10 percent postconsumer recycled content for purchases made before two years after enactment, and at least 15 percent thereafter.
The bill defines key terms broadly, including construction material, construction project, governmental entity, and postconsumer recycled content. It also directs the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to adopt implementing regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act. The measure is structured as a procurement and materials standard rather than a ban on plastic materials generally, and it focuses specifically on public construction spending.
Impact
The bill would add new requirements to Title 13 of the Revised Statutes governing the materials used in certain public construction projects. State, county, and municipal entities receiving State support would need to verify recycled-content thresholds for qualifying plastic construction materials, which could affect procurement specifications, bid requirements, and contractor sourcing. The bill also creates exceptions where compliance would raise project costs by 25 percent or where compliant materials are unavailable in sufficient quantity or for the intended use.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or formal support/opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears environmentally oriented and likely intended to promote recycling markets and reduce waste in public construction. The absence of recorded action suggests the bill’s reception cannot be assessed from the supplied materials.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely to be cost, availability, and project feasibility. Opponents or affected contractors may argue that recycled-content requirements could increase procurement costs, limit material choices, or complicate compliance for specialized applications. Supporters would likely emphasize environmental benefits, recycled-material demand, and the bill’s built-in exemptions for excessive cost or lack of supply, which are designed to address practical implementation concerns.
Carry Over
Requires certain State-funded construction projects to utilize plastic construction materials that contain certain amounts of postconsumer recycled content.
Carry Over
Requires certain State-funded construction projects to utilize plastic construction materials that contain certain amounts of postconsumer recycled content.
Same As
Requires certain State-funded construction projects to utilize plastic construction materials that contain certain amounts of postconsumer recycled content.