Legislative Updates

SWANA National Staff is responsible for advocacy on the federal level and the Buckeye SWANA chapter is responsible for advocacy on the state level.

SWANA National monitors federal legislative and regulatory activity to keep members informed of issues pertinent to the municipal solid waste industry.

The goal of SWANA’s advocacy program is to represent the interests of the solid waste profession by being a proactive advocate of environmentally and economically sound solid waste legislation and regulations.

The Association’s advocacy efforts are focused on three major fronts:

2Regulatory Action
SWANA monitors all pertinent regulatory changes to the solid waste industry. Our advocacy program depends on the efforts of our members to provide input to federal agencies and other entities to guide their rulemaking. We look to our 7 Technical Divisions and their respective committees to provide information and supply comments on upcoming rules and regulations.

3Legislation to Advance SWANA’s Mission 
SWANA works with outside groups, coalitions, legislators, and agencies to advance our legislative goals.  Regular advocacy, which is carried out within the established SWANA advocacy budget, involves the more routine response to actions or proposals from the EPA, Environment Canada, and other federal agencies. Special advocacy, which generally requires a specific allocation of resources or targeted fund raising, involves more resource intensive efforts over a longer term.

Ohio Legislative Action

• Governor Kasich Signs Slow Down to get Around Legislation
  • Ohio Governor John Kasich signed legislation, SB 127, that requires drivers to slow down and safely change lanes when approaching solid waste and recycling vehicles. Ohio is the 21st state to pass this legislation, commonly known as Slow Down to Get Around.