Here are some details on other environmental measures signed by Gov. Martin O?Malley on Tuesday, part of this week?s observance of Earth Day.
» Electronics recycling: This bill by Del. Dan Morhaim, D-Baltimore County, permanently establishes the state?s pilot recycling program for computers and other devices and raises the fee manufacturers must pay into a special fund from $5,000 to $10,000. The comptroller is allowed to fine retailers that sell equipment from manufacturers that don?t register with the fund.
» Solar: Sponsored by Sen. Robert Garagiola, D-Montgomery, and Del. Sue Hecht, D-Frederick, the measures mandate that .005 percent of the state?s electricity come from solar power next year, rising to 2 percent over the next 15 years.
» Stormwater: This bill will require developers to minimize runoff pollution and require governments to revise their zoning codes to allow for more environmentally friendly techniques to prevent pollution.
» Wind power: This bill eases requirements on developers of wind power to encourage the building of wind turbines to produce electricity.
