On Monday afternoon, public testimony will be heard on three bills by the Legislature’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

LD 1363, is “An Act To Ensure Landfill Capacity and Promote Recycling.” It is critical that we support this bill being co-sponsored by our own representative, Nate Libby.

This bill would define “Maine waste” as waste generated in Maine. Currently, out-of-state waste processed in Maine becomes Maine waste and has been filling Maine’s landfills since signed into law by Gov. Baldacci.

The bill would also require the state to provide information on the source of the amount of out-of-state waste dumped in Maine before permitting expansion of our valuable landfills.

The bill would return “home rule” authority over waste facilities back to Maine towns.

The state-owned, Casella-operated JRL dump in Old Town appears to be one of the few exits off the proposed East-West highway. Casella plans to expand the dump, making it the largest active landfill in New England.

LD 1363 would give local communities, like ours, the ability to control out-of-state waste.

The other two waste bills being heard are LD 907, “An Act To Encourage Recycling,” and LD 1292, “An Act To Minimize the Use of Plastic Bags.

Anyone who cares about these issues should provide testimony in support.

Daniel Gregoire, Lewiston