FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2017
Contact: Dan Crawford; dan@nclcv.org; 919-539-1422

NCLCV Calls on Rep. Wray to Sustain Governor’s Veto of “Garbage Juice Bill”
House Bill 576 would put public health, clean air at risk

ROANOKE RAPIDS: Today, the NC League of Conservation Voters brings legislative accountability from Jones Street to Main Street with a new, micro-targeted campaign.

In Tuesday’s Daily Herald readers will find an ad calling out Rep. Michael Wray for casting an anti-conservation vote on House Bill 576, “Allow Aerosolization of Leachate” during the 2017 legislative long session. H576, more appropriately entitled the “Garbage Juice Bill,” would let companies and municipalities spray leachate (the liquid run-off from garbage) into the air over landfills as a method to control waste. However, neither the inventor of the technology nor the bill sponsor, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, could cite scientific evidence proving this process is safe to human health or to surrounding natural resources.

“It is irresponsible to allow an unproven technology to be used that could jeopardize the well-being of citizens of North Carolina,” said Dan Crawford, NCLCV’s director of governmental relations. “North Carolinians need leaders who have the backbone to stop potentially harmful policies. The ‘Garbage Juice’ bill is a clear example of when lawmakers, like Rep. Wray, fail to prioritize our quality of life. He may have another chance this week to do the right thing by voting to sustain Governor Cooper’s veto of H576. We hope his constituents put him on notice ahead of the vote.”

After earning an 83% average in NCLCV’s 2013-2014 Legislative Scorecards, Rep. Wray’s environmental voting record suffered a major setback in 2015 with an earned score of 27%. His lifetime score of 70% signals an opportunity for improvement to defend longstanding clean air and water safeguards and to ensure people have access to the quality of life they deserve.

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NC League of Conservation Voters is a nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing North Carolina’s natural environment. NCLCV has been working to protect North Carolina’s environment and our citizen’s health for nearly 50 years, turning environmental values into North Carolina priorities. NCLCV’s vision for the future of North Carolina is that all citizens and our elected decision-makers will better understand and appreciate North Carolina’s unique natural environment, and the integral role it plays in North Carolina’s economy and quality of life. Visit nclcv.org for more information.