H.J.R. 28
LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL
6 Approved for Filing: A. Hoidal 6
6 02-27-23 7:31 AM 6
H.J.R. 28
1 JOINT RESOLUTION CONCERNING RECYCLING
2 2023 GENERAL SESSION
3 STATE OF UTAH
4 Chief Sponsor: Joel K. Briscoe
5 Senate Sponsor: ____________
6
7LONG TITLE
8General Description:
9 This resolution recognizes the potential for improved recycling systems throughout the
10state.
11Highlighted Provisions:
12 This resolution:
13 <highlights the potential for enhanced and expanded recycling efforts and data
14systems due to funding opportunities sought by the Department of Environmental
15Quality;
16 <acknowledges the environmental and economic benefits of recycling; and
17 <encourages increased recycling efforts across the state.
18Special Clauses:
19 None
20
21Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
22 WHEREAS, according to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Utah has
23developed a centralized mechanism for recycling data collection and sharing, but Utah does not
24mandate recycling data sharing through this centralized mechanism;
25 WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that environmental
26benefits of recycling include waste reduction, natural resources conservation, and pollution
27prevention;
*HJR028* H.J.R. 28 02-27-23 7:31 AM
- 2 -
28 WHEREAS, the EPA reports that economic benefits of recycling include energy
29conservation and increased reliance on domestically sourced materials;
30 WHEREAS, in 2020, the EPA calculated that national recycling and reuse efforts
31created 1.17 jobs per every 1,000 tons of material recycled;
32 WHEREAS, EPA data shows that recycling one ton of office paper conserves the
33energy equivalent of 322 gallons of gasoline;
34 WHEREAS, EPA data shows that recycling one ton of aluminum cans conserves the
35energy equivalent of 1,024 gallons of gasoline;
36 WHEREAS, the Exchange Network Grant Program provides federal funding to states
37to facilitate better environmental outcomes and data sharing;
38 WHEREAS, in 2021, the DEQ received $177,000 in funding from the Exchange
39Network Grant Program to develop an electronic information and data sharing system for solid
40waste and recycling facilities;
41 WHEREAS, the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program provides
42federal grants to support the implementation of enhanced waste management and recycling
43strategies in the country; and
44 WHEREAS, the DEQ applied for a grant from the Solid Waste Infrastructure for
45Recycling Grant Program to improve Utah waste management and recycling processes:
46 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
47recognizes the potential of enhanced and expanded recycling systems in the state due to the
48efforts of the DEQ.
49 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature acknowledges the significant
50environmental and economic benefits of recycling and encourages expanded recycling efforts
51across the state.