Number: 1977-18
WHEREAS, legislation requiring mandatory deposits on soft drink and malt beverage containers has been recognized as a means to significantly reduce litter, conserve non-renewable natural resources, save energy, reduce solid waste, and promote a general conservation ethic; and
WHEREAS, the legislatures of the states of Oregon, Vermont, and South Dakota have passed “deposit” laws, and the states of Michigan and Maine have successfully passed “deposit” laws by the referendum process; and
WHEREAS, the overwhelming approval in Michigan of “Proposal A” on the 1976 general election ballot proved that such legislation is acceptable when presented to the public, even in a large industrial state; and,
WHEREAS, this voter approval has shown that expensive efforts by industry to defeat “Deposit” legislation can be successfully countered by effective organization and strategy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 24-27, 1977, in Washington, D.C., hereby urges the U.S. Congress and in lieu of Federal action, appropriate state legislatures to enact legislation requiring mandatory deposits on soft drink and malt beverage containers throughout the Nation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization calls on all Americans to support reduction measures and encourages resource recovery practices and the disposal of unavoidable solid waste under environmentally sound and regulated conditions.