HB 3780
Removes newspaper from packaging, printing and writing paper and food serviceware producer responsibility laws.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Climate, Energy, and Environment
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
20%
Oppose
80%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill removes newspaper from Oregon’s packaging, printing, and writing paper, and food serviceware producer responsibility laws. It amends relevant Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) to specifically exclude newspaper from these programs. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it goes into effect immediately upon passage. This change aims to adjust the scope of these environmental regulations.
Key provisions
- Removes newspaper from the scope of ORS 459A.860 to 459A.975 (producer responsibility laws).
- Amends ORS 459A.863 to redefine ‘Brand’ and ‘Commingled recycling’.
- Updates ORS 459A.866 to clarify the definition of ‘Producer’ for various product types.
- Modifies ORS 459A.884 to establish a membership fee structure for producer responsibility organizations, including provisions for graduated fees based on environmental impact.
- Establishes a schedule of membership fees for producer responsibility organizations.
- Allows for alternative membership fee structures with Department of Environmental Quality approval.
- Provides for the acceptance of print and online advertising services in lieu of membership fees for certain publishers.
- Declares an emergency, allowing the bill to take effect immediately.
Who is affected
- Producers of packaging, printing and writing paper, and food serviceware
- Producer responsibility organizations
- Retailers and food establishments
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Emerson Levy
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of the bill believe it will promote a more balanced approach to achieving sustainability goals, alleviating undue regulatory burdens on industries that are actively addressing recycling and waste management. They argue that HB 3780's provisions will enable these sectors to continue innovating and expanding their services while also promoting broader sustainability initiatives. By streamlining regulations and providing clarity on industry responsibilities, supporters contend that the bill will foster a more collaborative environment between businesses, government, and environmental stakeholders, ultimately driving meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 3780 express concerns that removing newspaper from the Pollution Prevention and Recycling Modernization Act would have far-reaching consequences. They argue that this change would create an uneven playing field, as producers of other covered materials may be subsidizing those who participate in the Extended Producer Responsibility program, potentially leading to a less efficient recycling system. Additionally, opponents contend that Oregon's current recycling system is plagued by geographic disparities, making it difficult for rural communities to implement recycling programs, and that the proposed RMA changes would undermine years of planning and research into implementing the Recycling Modernization Act, setting a dangerous precedent for Oregon's recycling programs.