A recent news article described Maine as virtually standing alone in an effort by the Northeastern states to reduce the amount of toxins in packaging. Indeed, the article intimated that Maine may have to extend the deadlines in our new law requiring packaging distributed within the state to reduce its heavy metal content. The reason given was that other states, particularly large urban states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts had failed to take similar action. The impact of small states such as Maine and New Hampshire on large national producers of consumer goods was questioned.

Well, I am happy to report that the concern, or cynicism, is premature. Six Northeastern states have passed the model legislation to reduce toxins in packaging including the industrial and consumer giant New York State. It is still under consideration in three other Northeastern states — Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania — and is by no means a dead issue.

And the issue is gaining momentum nationally. Iowa and Wisconsin have adopted the measure. States where the model legislation will be introduced next year include Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Oregon, and Mississippi.

Perhaps this is just another case of living up to our motto —

Dirigo. Denise V. Lord Director of Planning Maine Waste Management Agency Augusta