WASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to support H.R. 2491, a bill designed to curb the flow of waste into the United States from Canada.   It is currently estimated that over 400 trucks a day cross the border from Canada, bringing tons of trash into Michigan and other states.  This press release incorporates Stupak’s floor statement. 

“The flow of Canadian trash into the United States, in general, and into Michigan, in particular, raises environmental issues as well as serious homeland security concerns,” Stupak said.  “I am pleased to see that the Republican Leadership finally decided to bring this bill to the floor to address the Canadian trash issue.”

The passage of the bill, H.R. 2491, would require implementation of a previous treaty between the United States and Canada to govern the movement of trash between the two countries.  Currently, states and local governments are not allowed to control trash coming in from out of their state. The bill would temporarily empower states to limit the trash they accept from outside the United States until the Environmental Protection Agency develops regulations to fully implement the treaty. 

A January 2006 audit conducted by the Department of Homeland Security demonstrated that trucks carrying trash from Canada into the United States are often found containing medical waste, illegal drugs, and illegal currency, raising significant border security and national safety concerns. 

Stupak also praised a previous agreement brokered by Senators Stabenow and Levin with Ontario to reduce trash imports into the state. Under the Stabenow-Levin agreement, Ontario has consented to stop the shipment of all municipal garbage by 2010. 

“Senators Stabenow and Levin’s landmark agreement will go a long way towards limiting Canadian trash imports,” said Stupak.  “This bill will build upon their hard work to further reduce the trash flow into the United States and into Michigan.”

Stupak said that the legislation had been blocked by House Republicans until recently.  

“This legislation was approved unanimously by the House Energy and Commerce Committee over a year ago,” Stupak said.  “I have repeatedly requested that President Bush and the Republican Leadership support this legislation.  The Republican Leadership is now permitting the bill’s consideration after Senators Stabenow and Levin brokered their agreement with the government of Ontario.”

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