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Friday, April 27, 2007

S.A.V.E. Makes Graywater Legislation a Bipartisan Success at Capitol



For Immediate Release:

S.A.V.E. Makes Graywater Legislation a Bipartisan Success at Capitol


(Helena, MT) Governor Schweitzer will sign HB 259 into law today at noon. HB 259 makes graywater systems legal in the state of Montana. A gray water system allows homeowners to separate non-septic wastewater, like that from showers, sinks, and washing machines to water their plants or lawns. This legislation is a return to Montana's rural ranching past, when reusing water was a common sense issue in a state where water is at a premium.

The Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment (S.A.V.E) Foundation helped to bring together both sides of the aisle to get this conservation solution through the legislature. Rep. Michele Reinhart (D-Missoula) was the bill's sponsor. She said, "This a good bill that allows an important water conservation measure, especially as continued drought reminds us how important water is to Montana."

The bill's co-sponsor, Rep. John Ward (R-Helena) is the owner of Little John's septic systems. He explained, "The impact of this bill will not be felt for a few years. It is farsighted, it lays the groundwork in a category of water appreciation where we have only begun to scratch the surface. It's ahead of it's time and good to have it on the books."

"Protecting the environment is something we can and should do on a daily basis with our choices and habits," said Matthew Elsaesser, S.A.V.E. Director, "measures such as this play an important role."



About S.A.V.E.:

S.A.V.E. a started as a recycling effort at Carroll College in Helena and is now known for expanding recycling in Helena, crossing the state with country music and an old truck with their Biodiesel Montana program, and working on common sense policy to enable environmental stewardship through the 3 Rs of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
S.A.V.E. has also worked to pass the following other bills:http://www2.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
* SB 185: Montana became the first state to allow medium speed electric vehicles;
* SB 449: Requires increased fuel efficiency for state vehicles. Most state vehicles must meet or exceed CAFE standards (the federal efficiency standards);
* HB 555: Recognizes the challenges of electronic waste (like old computers) and funds a public education program through DEQ.

More information:

Gray Water Fact Sheet One

Gray Water Fact Sheet Two


- Savemobile.org