New York legislature considers scrap tire bill

ALBANY, N.Y. (June 28)—The New York legislature is considering a bill for scrap tire abatement and market development. The bill, drafted by Gov. George Pataki's office, mandates a $1.25 scrap tire fee on each new tire, including 25 cents for tire dealers to cover administrative costs. The state Department of Environmental Conservation will identify illegal tire piles and devise abatement strategies, while the Department of Economic Development will assist in the private development of scrap tire recycling technologies. Both houses of the legislature have recessed, but the Senate probably will consider the bill when it returns July 2, said Fred Andersen, director of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.