Speaker of the House Terry R. Spence (R-Stratford) is calling on the Governor to delay implementation of the yard waste ban for Cherry Island Landfill until July 1, 2007.

Speaker Spence and State Senator Karen E. Peterson (D-Stanton) sent correspondence to the Governor requesting that she consider delaying the yard waste ban, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2007, until July 1, 2007.

Speaker Spence and Senator Peterson stated in the letter that they have heard consistent concerns from their constituents, mostly about the potential costs to residents once the ban goes into effect.

They said, "Many residents also have asked about the practical implications of the ban and the limited time frame by which they would have to make other arrangements once disposing of yard waste in their regular trash pick-up is no longer an option. In addition, we are concerned that residents might dispose of their yard waste in creeks and streams which would exacerbate flooding conditions in the districts we represent."

Applauding the Speaker's action State Representative Robert J. Valihura, Jr. (R-Delaware North) stated, "The compromise that I expected and worked on attaining that would have resolved the polar opposite positions of a complete ban of yard waste and a continuing dumping of the yard waste at Cherry Island has failed to materialize. Accordingly, additional time is needed to assure that a smooth transition between a complete ban of yard waste at Cherry Island and our current system is thoughtfully and seamlessly put into place. This delay will enable the General Assembly and the Administration to work out a consensus solution in the best interests of all Delawareans."

State Representative Gregory F. Lavelle (R-Sharpley), who, along with his colleagues from Brandywine Hundred, recently sent a letter to DNREC Secretary John Hughes asking him to work with local civic groups in addressing some of the public's concerns about the ban, said, "We know there are a host of questions that still need to be answered, and for that reason, I commend the Speaker for urging the Governor to delay implementing the yard waste ban. It is the right thing to do. The Legislature needs time to address many of the intended, as well as unintended, consequences that will surely result once the ban, promulgated by DNREC, takes effect. Cost issues rise to the top of the list of concerns."

State Senator Catherine Cloutier (R-Heatherbrooke), who also supports delaying implementation, stated, "Knowing that it would create an additional inconvenience and expense for everyone in our community, I'm unclear as to why DNREC approved this regulation change without any public input. We need a chance to discuss the implications of the yard waste ban and have the opportunity to look into the best resolution to this problem."

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