Mary-Ellen Manning for State Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MANNING AGREES WITH SIERRA CLUB, MASSPIRG AND 77 % OF THE MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC ON THE PASSAGE OF UPDATED BOTTLE BILL!

Salem, MA—June 14, 2012—Today, the Massachusetts Legislature tabled an updated version of the Bottle Bill, to include non-carbonated beverages in the nickel deposit recycling incentive.  Governor’s Councillor Mary-Ellen Manning (D-Peabody) and candidate for State Senate, Second Essex, criticized the move.  Speaking from her law office in Salem, Manning said she “was sorely disappointed in the actions taken today by state legislators who chose to ignore the clear public benefit of, not to mention the public’s overwhelming support of, the Updated Bottle Bill.”

The bill seeks to expand on the original Bottle Bill to include water bottles and sports drinks which have become widely popular since the bill passed in 1982.

“Whenever politicians shield important matters from public debate, it is clear that special interests are being furthered rather than the public’s concern about the environment.”  Manning charged. 

“Not only do I support the common sense evolution of this bill to include today’s popular beverages, but I also proudly supported the original Bottle Bill in 1982 with the sweat equity of a college sophomore by canvassing for MassPIRG while attending Brandeis University.   As such, it is very personally disappointing to me to see that the Legislature refuses to make meaningful laws that address our current needs and common sense solutions and instead chooses to ignore the will of the people by bowing to corporate special interests and influence peddlers.  One need only drive by a soccer field on a Monday morning to see the benefit from the expansion of this bill. You will be lucky to find a can worth a nickel on the ground, but you will be amazed at the amount of water bottles and sports drinks that are strewn about or overflowing from trash receptacles.  The nickel deposit is a genuine incentive to recycle!”

As your next State Senator, Mary-Ellen Manning will be an advocate for Bottle Bill expansion.