Two bills are awaiting signatures, in Texas and Illinois, that would set up a solar panel and wind turbine stewardship requirement for facilities and alter an existing e-scrap recycling program. | GreenThumbShots/Shutterstock
Bills adding solar facility recycling requirements in Texas and changes to Illinois’ e-scrap recycling program are sitting on their respective governors’ desks.
Recycling written into solar leases
In Texas, HB 3228 would require solar and wind power facilities to reuse or recycle end-of-life components. Under the bill, lease agreements for wind or solar power facilities must include provisions that the lease holder will collect and reuse or recycle all components “practicably capable of being reused or recycled.”
If signed, the act will take effect Sept. 1 of this year and will apply to leases signed on or after that date. The legislation passed the House on April 25 on a vote of 120-0 and the Senate on May 19 with another unanimous vote of 31-0.
Solar panel recycling and processing has been gaining momentum in the e-scrap industry in recent years.
Program update in the Prairie State
The existing e-scrap recycling program in Illinois will see some small amendments under HB 3098, which is also on the governor’s desk after passing both the House and Senate without opposition — 116-0 in the House on April 9 and 58-0 in the Senate on May 22.
If signed, the bill would update some language and definitions and allow nonprofit organizations or processors to operate “private network collection sites” on behalf of a manufacturer.
It would also require a manufacturer clearinghouse to perform education and consumer awareness activities, and would delete an automatic repeal provision included in the older law.