Adopted 1983

The League of Women Voters of Indiana supports:

Division of authority between federal and state agencies for the management of hazardous waste.

A strong federal role in setting uniform standards.

A strong state role in enforcing regulations.

Selection of persons responsible for enforcement of hazardous waste regulations on the basis of professional qualifications and experience, regardless of political affiliations.

Increased taxes as necessary for the stringent enforcement of hazardous waste regulations.

Bonding, insurance, or other proof of financial responsibility of operators of hazardous waste sites.

Strict enforcement of regulations by state and federal agencies.

Training of local emergency response personnel.

Closure and post-closure protection of sites.

The League ranks considerations for site selection for disposal of hazardous waste in the following order:

1. protection of public health;

2. protection of air and water;

3. geological features of the area;

4. proximity of towns, cities, and other human habitation;

5. transportation of wastes through populated areas;

6. protection of prime agricultural land;

7. scenic and recreational potential;

8. social and political considerations;

9. archeological, historic, and cultural factors;

10. and convenience and cost of generators and providing jobs.

The League agrees that:

• Generators of hazardous waste and operators of hazardous waste disposal facilities have the responsibility for paying for new facilities.

• Federal funds (e.g., Superfund) plus funds recovered from generators and operators of hazardous waste sites should be used to clean up sites if necessary.

• If these funds cannot be used, state funds or some other combination of funds must be used.

• In the light of present knowledge, state laws, if strictly enforced by adequate numbers of persons representing sufficient financial commitment by the state, could protect the health and safety of Indiana residents.