Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners July 21, 2011 Jefferson County, Florida

Chairman Fulford and members of the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) and the Southeastern Bottled Water Association (SEBWA) appreciate the opportunity to provide written testimony on Ordinance Number 2011- 072111-02. This ordinance proposes amendments to the Jefferson County Land Development Code in an attempt to provide additional protection for land and groundwater resources within the Aucilla/Wacissa River Ecosystem.

IBWA and SEBWA understand and support the need for Jefferson County to preserve and protect its land and water resources, and we support sound land and groundwater management policies, laws and regulations that are comprehensive, science-based, multi-jurisdictional, treat all users equitably, and balance the rights of current users against future needs in order to provide and protect sustainable resources.

However, we respectfully oppose Ordinance No. 2011-072111-02 sitting before the Board of County Commissioners. The proposed changes to the Jefferson County Land Development Code specifically and unfairly single out bottled water and establish a very stringent set of requirements for land use approvals. These requirements are obviously not based on either the potential impact of a withdrawal on the land or the resource, both of which should be standards for approval. There is no evident hydrogeological, scientific, or resource sustainability basis for these provisions. In contrast, these provisions base the sustainability of the land and water resources solely on the type of user versus actual withdrawal or environmental impacts. From the perspective of land and water development and management programs, the bottled water industry should be treated no differently than other users. Ordinance 2011-072111-02 clearly does not meet this test. To single out the bottled water industry from other land and water users will not further the sustainability of Jefferson County’s land and water resources, and is not in the best interest of the County’s residents and visitors.

The bottled water industry uses a de minimus amount of groundwater to produce an important consumer product, and does so with great efficiency. According to a 2005 study by the Drinking Water Research Foundation (DWRF), annual bottled water production accounts for less than 2/100 of one percent (0.02%) of the total groundwater withdrawn in the United States each year. This is the equivalent of a half-gallon bottle filled with water from a 20,000 gallon Olympic-size swimming pool. Based on additional information gathered in the DWRF study, 87% of the water withdrawn by bottled water companies in 2001 was, on average, actually bottled for consumption by humans. The bottling

1700 Diagonal Road, Suite 650 Alexandria, VA 22314 Ph: 703-683-5213 Fax 703-683-4074 Web: www.bottledwater.orgIBWA/SEBWA Written Testimony on Ordinance No. 2011-072111-02 July 21, 2011 Page 2 of 4

process is therefore a very efficient one. When comparing the amount of groundwater used by other industries with the 0.02% that is used by bottled water companies on an annual basis, it becomes very clear that any attempt to manage groundwater resources must focus on all users and not target any one industry. The sustainability of aquifers and other water resources is not determined by who uses the water, but by how much is being withdrawn.

Because a long-term sustainable supply of high-quality water is quite literally the foundation and “lifeblood” of our industry, we fully recognize the critical importance of environmental conservation and stewardship of all land and water resources. Be assured that IBWA and SEBWA members employ environmental conservation and stewardship practices when using and managing Florida land and groundwater resources. This is achieved, in part, through the use of monitoring wells and environmental assessments of sources to help ensure both the quantity and quality of the source. IBWA and SEBWA members are particularly active in groundwater protection programs, and are also often participants in local/regional water stewardship partnerships on aquifer protection. Criticism of the bottled water industry in water management debates is not based on the science or hydrology of water withdrawals by our industry, and is a misguided and misinformed attempt to block water use while setting the stage for a wider attack on other commercial, industrial, and agricultural users.

States ultimately have primary jurisdiction over their land and water resources, and must effectively manage those important resources to ensure that they will be sustainable. IBWA and SEBWA believe that in order to ensure sustainable land and water resources, a comprehensive management approach must be taken. IBWA and SEBWA support the reporting of withdrawals for all groundwater users, and establishment of regulatory frameworks to evaluate the impact of all commercial/industrial water users. To this end, the bottled water industry has been a strong and vocal supporter of comprehensive groundwater management legislation and regulations enacted in recent years in Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin. In these states, the bottled water industry actively supported programs requiring permitting of large quantity groundwater withdrawals that ensures a science-based approach to evaluating potential impacts of all water withdrawals.

Some of the comprehensive groundwater management statutes and regulations the bottled water industry has supported have required a higher standard of approval for the bottled water industry than for other users of the same resource. The bottled water industry has accepted these standards in order to provide a foundation for a predictable future for the industry. For proof of this close to home, we strongly encourage the Board of County Commissioners to review the bottled water industry’s active and cooperative involvement with the Suwannee River Water Management District for nearly a year beginning in late 2008 as the District worked to develop and implement updated regulations for the permitting of water use and a new water use permitting guide. The District’s balanced consideration of all stakeholders’ views and opinions, including the bottled water industry, resulted in the adoption of a new rule set that is both equitable and judicious, while not restricting commerce. We encourage the Board of County Commissioners to pursue similar approaches to manage land and water use. In all instances the bottled water industry, not only in Jefferson County but throughout the state of Florida, will abide by the parameters of all respective Water Management Districts with regard to water usage.

Bottled water is not a luxury item, but rather a safe, healthy, convenient food product that consumers choose because of its refreshing taste, and because it is an excellent way to stay hydrated. Reports on America’s declining health are in the headlines almost daily, and many consumers choose bottled

IBWA/SEBWA Written Testimony on Ordinance No. 2011-072111-02 July 21, 2011 Page 3 of 4

water as a healthy beverage alternative or mainstay. For these reasons, any actions that discourage the production and use of this product are not in the public’s best interest. And the bottled water industry is always at the forefront of relief efforts during natural disasters and other catastrophic events such as hurricanes, wildfires or terrorist attacks. Florida has, of course, not been immune to such disasters. Targeting the bottled water industry with an ordinance such as this would be an ironic disservice to and poor public policy for an industry that is called upon every year to provide crucial drinking water to the citizens of Jefferson County.

Over the last few years, Florida and the nation have felt the devastating toll of a weakened economy, plummeting home sales and a stagnant job market. Jefferson County has also experienced the same and while signs of recovery are imminent, it is likely to take several years before they are fully realized. Any proposal that would have a negative impact on jobs will only prolong this economic malaise. This ordinance will directly influence existing and potential jobs for Jefferson County and the state of Florida which has a strong commitment to the bottled water industry. While it is vital that businesses, communities and government do all they can to protect natural resources and the environment that we co-exist with; they also must support a vibrant and growing economy to ensure the necessary resources are there to provide the finances, manpower and ideas to make preservation a reality.

If Jefferson County finds the need to implement systemic and long-term changes to improve the environmental impact of goods production, as well as management of the county’s natural resources, be assured that IBWA, SEBWA and our members stand ready to work with you. But we ask that any related efforts not specifically target the bottled water industry. To that end, we ask the Board of Commissioners to soundly reject Ordinance 2011-072111-02.

Thank you very much for your consideration of our testimony, and please feel free to contact IBWA or SEBWA if you have any questions or would like to discuss this issue further.

James P. Toner, Jr. Director of Government Relations IBWA

Allen Wankat President SEBWA

________________________________________________

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the trade association representing all segments of the bottled water industry, including spring, artesian, mineral, sparkling, well, groundwater and purified bottled waters. IBWA represents bottled water bottlers, distributors and suppliers throughout the United States, including several small, medium and large size companies doing business in Florida.

The purpose of the Southeastern Bottled Water Association (SEBWA) is to provide its members with information to enhance industry knowledge, category growth, and operating efficiencies. The Association should be viewed as a resource in promoting greater levels of awareness for government relations, quality control, technical advancements, and public relations.

IBWA/SEBWA Written Testimony on Ordinance No. 2011-072111-02 July 21, 2011 Page 4 of 4

Companies in Florida that manufacture, distribute and sell bottled water products employ as many as 8,800 people in the state, and generate an additional 26,640 jobs in supplier and ancillary industries. These include jobs in companies supplying goods and services to bottled water manufacturers, distributors and retailers, as well as those that depend on sales to workers in the bottled water industry. These are good jobs, paying an average of $40,710 in wages and benefits. Not only does the manufacture and sale of bottled water create good jobs in Florida, but the industry also contributes to the state’s economy as a whole. In fact, in 2009 the bottled water industry was responsible for over $5.44 billion in total economic activity in Florida. Furthermore, the bottled water industry generates sizable tax revenues in the state, with the industry and its employees paying over $214.7 million in property, income and sales taxes.

EXCITING PLANS!  Early in May, the SEBWA Board of Directors met electronically for a planning session for the upcoming year.

Friday, October 14 will be a big day especially for Florida members, and anyone else who would love to spend the weekend in tropical Fort Lauderdale (Southwest Airlines serves Fort Lauderdale with many competitive flights). The Board will meet; open to all, there will be a plant tour, hosted by new board member Glen Sanders and DS Waters.  Still in the planning stage are training sessions, some of which (along with the plant tour) should offer CEUs for Certified Plant Operators. Several of SEBWA’s vendor members are based in Florida and will be attending.

For those weekending in Fort Lauderdale, everything is close – including Indian casinos, nightlife, beautiful beaches, scuba diving, and the Bahamas – just a short hop away. The upper Keys can be reached in less than a three- hour drive.

We will soon survey members regarding their wishes regarding the 2012 annual convention, and we are again exploring hosting it jointly with the MABWA group. New Orleans was such a success, together, that both groups would like to offer the increased value and excitement again. Possible sites include Orlando, and possibly with the return of June scheduling, offering the opportunity to bring families along.

The SEBWA website has become more and more topical, and is worthy of periodic visits to stay on top of industry trends. Executive Director, Susan Gibson, would like to hear about happenings in the bottled water world, and will post a relevant stories and new releases. Stay tuned for more convention news.

Allen Wankat
SEBWA President

By WILLIAM WHITE

Published: May 02, 2011

Auburn –

About 800 people in Tuscaloosa will get the best of what one Auburn food establishment has to offer Wednesday.

The Chicken Salad Chick will load up volunteers and a day’s supply of “The Classic Carol,” its best-selling chicken salad selection, at 7 a.m. so they can serve the hundreds of sack lunches at the Belk Activity Center in Tuscaloosa later that day.

“We are so excited,” said Stacy Brown, who owns the restaurants with her husband, Kevin Brown.

The Browns are part of broad local efforts by the business community, churches and local agencies helping communities ravaged by the tornados that struck the state last week.

“We are going to take all of our chicken salad that we would cook for the day to Tuscaloosa,” she said. “And we are going to serve 800 lunches.

“There are so many times you want to give, like to the earthquakes and things like that, and we think this is our time.”

She said her employees and neighbors have volunteered their time to prepare the food and travel to Tuscaloosa. Her two sons, Jack and Carson Evans, will also be along for the experience.

The couple’s two restaurants at 555 Opelika Road and at 1611 S. College St will be closed for business Wednesday for the trip to Tuscaloosa.

Stacy said the idea to help struck the couple at the same time.

“We were walking to dinner on Friday night and I said, ‘Kevin, I really want to go to Tuscaloosa.’ He said, ‘I’m so glad you said something. I have thought the same thing. Let’s do it.’”

She said they contacted the employees and did all the planning over the weekend.

Other efforts

“The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce collected more than 40,000 pounds of donations which were taken to Tuscaloosa Saturday,” wrote Robyn Bridges, Auburn and Opelika Tourism Bureau, public relations and communications director, in an email calling for volunteers to help with sorting and packing Monday.

Auburn Chamber of Commerce President Lolly Steiner, co-worker Stephanie Calhoun, Renate Robinson and John Wild with the Auburn and Opelika Tourism Bureau were still busy sorting, boxing and loading supplies Monday morning to be taken on a truck donated by Two Men and a Truck to Rainsville in north Alabama near Fort Payne.

Auburn University is also organizing volunteers and serving as a drop-off point for relief donations. On campus, there will be 25 to 30 volunteers sorting, boxing and loading supplies throughout the day through Wednesday at the Ham Wilson Livestock Arena on Donahue Drive in Auburn. Items sorted and stacked Monday will go on a small Auburn University trailer to be taken were those items are needed most.

“We have the capacity to deal with whatever comes in,” said Susan McCallister with Auburn University Public Safety and Security. “We are coordinating with State EMA and other relief groups to organize donations and ship to areas most in need.”

AU and the Lee County EMA are using the livestock arena as a staging point in their effort to collect needed supplies from Auburn, Opelika and other parts of Lee County to be shipped to communities impacted by the tornado outbreak.

Donations can be made from 7 a.m. to midnight through Wednesday at the arena, located at 650 S. Donahue Drive.

“Some of the biggest needs are for baby care supplies, especially Pedialyte; personal hygiene items; non-perishable food; and first-aid supplies,” McCallister said.

With inclement weather expected Tuesday, plans to take Auburn University student volunteers to help in recovery efforts have been moved to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“Auburn University Emergency Management personnel and the Division of Student Affairs are working to organize day trips that will allow Auburn students to volunteer their time to help storm victims,” said Chance D. Corbett, associate director of the Department of Public Safety and Security/Emergency Management at Auburn University. “These day trips will be scheduled to leave the Student Center at 7 a.m. and return no later than 7 p.m.

“We encourage you to participate in a day trip once you have completed your final exams,” Corbett said in an email to students. “Volunteering to help will not excuse you from final exams.”

He said bus transportation will be provided to volunteering students, as well as lunch, snacks, drinks and necessary equipment like gloves and eye protection.

In Opelika, the first trailer load from Trinity United Methodist Church went to Eclectic and Cordova, according to an email from the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.

Trinity will be accepting donations of supplies for the foreseeable future. The drop-off point is Trinity UMC Christian Life Center, 800 Second Ave. in Opelika. For more information call the church office at 334-745-2632.

The church says there is an immediate need for bottled water, power bars, breakfast bars, Gatorade and non-perishable food.

Bottled water … for babies

Product aimed at busy moms finds new niche in wake of disasters.

Lara Hodgson, entrepreneur, board member of the Georgia Regional Transit Authority and brand new mom, is out running errands with her son when of course he gets hungry and of course she doesn’t have fresh, room-temperature water around to mix him some formula, so, of course, the baby throws a fit. This happens often enough that she complains to her husband, repeatedly, that someone should come up with pre-measured bottled water with room enough to add formula. Something just for a baby.

He tells her in effect to, well, put up or hush up.

So Hodgson puts up. And she winds up developing Nourish, a recyclable, pre-measured bottle of water with enough room for a mom to add formula on the go. That’s right. Bottled springwater for babies. All in a patented BPA-free package.

All together now: Why didn’t I think of that?

But women have been having babies for eons and hydrating them, for the most part, without benefit of specially packaged water. On this point, Hodgson agrees. So why on earth would they need it now?

“Being a stay-at-home mom has changed, because stay-at-home moms are never at home any more,” Hodgson said. “They are always on the go. We want to be where you are in a pinch.”

And it’s that constant state of motion that can make it inconvenient for a busy middle-class mom to have a clean bottle or the right amount of water at hand. Hodgson breast-fed her son for six months but sometimes needed to supplement his diet with formula.

She and her business partner Stacey Abrams — yes, that Stacey Abrams, Georgia’s House minority leader — determined there were enough women like Hodgson who would be willing to pay between $3 and $4 for water that doesn’t come from a tap but from a spring. Blue Springs near Callaway Gardens to be exact. The company also makes small containers of water in sippy-cup form for toddlers.

But isn’t there something indulgent, if not unnecessary or even wasteful, about buying a special bottled water for a baby or toddler, even if the containers are reusable? How difficult is it to wash out a regular bottle or sippy cup and fill it with water? For many moms the task likely doesn’t rise beyond a slight inconvenience.

But what if you had been a mom in Haiti right after the devastating 2010 earthquake? Or a nursing mother in Tokyo worried about radiation in drinking water following the biggest nuclear disaster since Chernobyl?

Those are two situations where Nourish has found an unexpected niche.

Customers donated cases of the water, Hodgson said, right after the earthquake hit Haiti. She got the Atlanta-based charity Childspring International to deliver and distribute the bottles, along with formula, within days of the disaster. Doctors handed them out at field hospitals.

What made the difference for those mothers and babies wasn’t simply the clean water but the design of the bottles, said Rose Emily Bermudez, executive director of Childspring.

It’s impossible for a infant to take a swig from an open-mouthed plastic container. But Nourish has the necessary plastic nipple built in.

“The community felt like it was one of the best things we sent,” Bermudez said. “I went back to Haiti a few months ago and some mothers still have those bottles.”

In the aftermath of Japan’s nuclear crisis, Koyuru Tsunoda, who operates an online health-food business in Woodland Hills, Calif., recently purchased a few cases of the water to send to friends and colleagues in Tokyo. Tsunoda, who was born and raised in Japan, did so after traces of radiation were found in tap water in Tokyo and nursing mothers were advised not to drink it.

“When the Japanese government said a child under 1 year old shouldn’t drink the water, I said, we have to send water,” Tsunoda said.

Filling the order took on a special significance for Hodgson, who, as an engineering student at Georgia Tech, did a fellowship in Japan and lived for months with a family in what is now the stricken Fukashima province.

“They are all OK,” said Hodgson, who has kept in contact with the family over the years.

Though designed for kids, there have been some unusual adult requests for Hodgson’s product. Stylists have purchased the sippy cups because the cup’s design allows their clients to drink water without messing up their lipstick or dribbling water down the front of their pricey shirts and dresses. And it has shown up in the hands of a few celebrity babies, notably Kimora Lee Simmon’s son on her show, “Life in the Fab Lane.”

For Hodgson, it’s just fine. Better a kid get hooked on bottled water early on rather than sugary juice-box drinks, she said.

Inside AJC.COM

AmeriCares Responding to Deadly Twisters in the U.S.

STAMFORD, Conn., — AmeriCares is delivering medical aid, bottled water and other critically needed relief supplies to communities across the South devastated by the worst U.S. disaster since Hurricane Katrina.

AmeriCares is sending medicines and medical supplies, including prescription medications for chronically ill patients, to clinics in Arkansas and Mississippi treating tornado survivors without health insurance.  In Smithville, Miss., a small town near the Alabama border decimated by last week’s storms, AmeriCares is rushing critically needed relief supplies including medicines, cleaning supplies for residents trying to salvage the remains of their homes and hygiene products for families left homeless.  AmeriCares emergency response worker E.T. Theotokatos, who was in Smithville this weekend assessing the damage from the EF-5 tornado – the most powerful category of twister on record – said the needs were evident everywhere he went.

“I could count only four standing structures. Everything else seemed vaporized,” he said.  ”A whole trailer park had been whisked away.  The town hall – destroyed.  An elementary school –  flattened. The police station –  gone. And house after house was reduced to rubble.  AmeriCares will be there to help the community recover from this tragic disaster as residents rebuild their homes and their lives.”

AmeriCares is working with Nestle Waters North America and Feeding America to deliver over 265,000 bottles of water to food banks and shelters aiding tornado survivors in Alabama and Tennessee.  AmeriCares also recently delivered bottled water to Indiana and Missouri for residents affected by flooding and to emergency crews fighting wildfires in Texas.  Additionally, for North Carolina, which was battered by tornadoes in mid-April, AmeriCares delivered a shipment of bottled water and over $90,000 worth of medical aid for the Helping Hands Clinic in Sanford, N.C.

AmeriCares has been responding to natural and man-made disasters around the world for nearly 30 years, saving lives and restoring health and hope.  AmeriCares also supports more than 300 health clinics serving the uninsured and underinsured across the U.S. on an ongoing basis with deliveries of medicines and medical supplies.  Donations to AmeriCares U.S. Disaster Relief Fund will support the organization’s tornado response in the South.  To donate, go to www.AmeriCares.org or call 1(800) 486-HELP.

About AmeriCares

AmeriCares is a nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization which delivers medicines, medical supplies and aid to people in need around the world and across the United States.  Since it was established in 1982, AmeriCares has distributed more than $10 billion in humanitarian aid to 147 countries.  For more information, visit www.AmeriCares.org.

For more information contact Donna Porstner:  203-658-9579
 or go to dporstner@AmeriCares.org.

This release has been provided by Breck Speed, CEO and President, Mountain Valley Spring Co. If you would like to be added to Breck’s regular Press Release distribution list, feel free to contact him as follows: Breck Speed, bspeed@mountainvalleyspring.com, office 501-624-1635.

The Southeastern Bottled Water Association (SEBWA) announced the publication of the Association’s 2011 Technical Manual covering the “Good Laboratory Practices – Microbiology Lab GLPs”.

The 2011Technical Manual was authored by Cynthia Herold, Corporate Hygiene Manager, Nestle Waters N.A. Herold is First Past President of Mid-America Bottled Water Association (MABWA). The new technical manual was released at the 2011 Joint SEBWA & MABWA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans, LA.

“We are very pleased to be able to provide this important information to our members,” said Efrem Pesyna, SEBWA’s Technical Director.

All dues-paid SEBWA members received a copy of the 2011 SEBWA Technical Manual on CD as a benefit of membership. Members may also purchase back issues of SEBWA Technical Manuals by going online to www.sebwa.org and clicking on SEBWA Publications. These back issues may be purchased by members only at a price of $50 each plus postage.

For more information regarding the 2011 SEBWA Technical Manual or past issues,

contact SEBWA by calling (512) 894.4106, emailing susangibson@austin.rr.com, or you can visit the SEBWA website at www.sebwa.org.

“An Overview of the BPA Controversy”

by Joe Doss, President and CEO, International Bottled Water Association

In the past few years, there has been a great deal of controversy and scrutiny concerning Bisphenol-A (BPA), a component of polycarbonate plastic. Some scientists, legislators and environmentalists have voiced various and often conflicting opinions on BPA and its potential health effects.  However, the overwhelming majority of experts and regulatory agencies throughout the world believe that BPA is safe for use in consumer food products.

Regulatory agencies in several countries have ruled favorably on the safety of BPA, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, French Food Safety Authority, Health Canada (the FDA equivalent in Canada,) Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NIAIST).

The consensus among these regulatory agencies is that the current levels of exposure to BPA through food packaging do not pose an immediate health risk to the general population, including infants and children.  As noted by Health Canada, an adult would have to drink approximately 1,000 liters (or 264 gallons) of water from polycarbonate water cooler bottles every day to approach the science-based safe intake limit for BPA recently established in Canada.

Many bottled water companies use polycarbonate plastic for their 3 and 5 gallon water cooler bottles.  Polycarbonate plastic is also widely used in various food containers and many other everyday items, such as eyeglasses, paper store receipts, compact discs, cell phones, can liners; the list is almost endless for this popular material.

From November 1 – 5, 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO), in cooperation with Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and other international health agencies, held a stakeholder and expert panel meeting in Ottawa, Canada.   In a November 9, 2010, statement published on its website, WHO reported that the international expert panel reviewed all the latest scientific evidence on BPA and its potential to affect human health.  Importantly, because the panel could not determine the relevance of newer studies linking very low levels of BPA in the body with some adverse health effects, it stated, “Initiation of public health measures would be premature.”

Earlier, on September 30, 2010, EFSA re-confirmed the existing safe intake level for Bisphenol A.  EFSA stated: “Following a detailed and comprehensive review of recent scientific literature and studies on the toxicity of bisphenol A at low doses, scientists on EFSA’s (review) Panel conclude they could not identify any new evidence which would lead them to revise the current Tolerable Daily Intake for BPA of 0.05 mg/kg body weight set by EFSA in its 2006 opinion and re-confirmed in its 2008 opinion. The Panel also state that the data currently available do not provide convincing evidence of neuro-behavioural toxicity of BPA.”

On January 15, 2010, The FDA released “Update on Bisphenol A for Use in Food Contact Applications,” an updated statement regarding the agency’s position on the use and safety of BPA in food contact materials.  The FDA statement confirmed the overall safety of BPA used in food containers. FDA noted that “standardized toxicity tests have thus far supported the safety of current low levels of human exposure to BPA.” FDA did, however, state that based on studies “using novel approaches to test for subtle effects,” it has “some concerns” about the potential effects of BPA on infants and young children.   The FDA’s reference to “novel approaches” refers to the “low-dose theory,” which the World Health Organization and EFSA reviewed and found no evidence to support claims of adverse health effects.

FDA has not taken any formal action to prohibit the use of BPA in any food products.   In fact, FDA cautioned against making any changes in food packaging or consumption by either industry or consumers that could jeopardize food safety or reduce intake of food needed for good nutrition.  Bottled water companies using polycarbonate containers can therefore continue to sell their products fully confident of consumer safety.

The FDA’s position on the safety of BPA did not stop the U.S. Congress, 22 states and numerous localities from proposing over 80 separate pieces of legislation in 2010 to ban or severely limit the use of polycarbonate plastic with BPA in children’s products, food containers and other applications.  Minnesota was the first state in the U.S. to enact a restriction on the sale and distribution of certain products containing BPA. That happened in 2009, and since then seven other states have also enacted BPA restrictions – Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Vermont, Washington State and Wisconsin. In part because IBWA and our allies remain diligent in keeping lawmakers apprised of the solid science behind the safety of BPA, the majority of these new laws are more narrowly focused on products intended for young children (such as  baby bottles and sippy cups) and none of them currently apply to bottled water products.

IBWA has worked with broader industry coalitions managed by the likes of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) to fight these misguided efforts to ban BPA.  In a few instances where proposed legislation was broader and appeared to capture our industry’s polycarbonate water bottles, IBWA members raised their voices and worked to have those proposals amended so that they did not directly impact the bottled water industry.  They contacted their legislators and attended a public hearing in order to voice their concerns about how a BPA restriction would negatively impact their business and thus the local economy.

IBWA members made certain that legislators understood that bottled water is a packaged food product highly regulated by the FDA and by the states in which they operate, and that the FDA continues to confirm the overall safety of BPA used in food containers. IBWA members also made certain that legislators knew that this was not just a “baby bottles and sippy cups issue”, and that polycarbonate water bottles could easily be considered a reusable food and beverage container under the wrong definition.  And IBWA members also made certain that legislators knew that replacing their existing polycarbonate water bottles would be very cost-prohibitive, and restricting their use would have negative economic consequences for local companies and the entire bottled water industry.

As we look ahead in 2011, concerns over BPA are not likely to go away.  The issue will continue to be very important for all IBWA members – small, medium and large. Inaccurate perceptions are likely to continue among legislators, and even some in the bottled water industry.  We should expect as much, if not more, related legislation in the coming year that could impact the bottled water industry – particularly in Illinois, New York, Maine, Oregon and Pennsylvania, as well as in Congress.

IBWA will continue to defend and provide the facts about the safety of BPA.   IBWA members and regional associations such as SEBWA must remain actively engaged and involved in providing accurate industry and BPA information to legislators in order to ensure that related legislation is not overtly and unintentionally broad to the point of unnecessarily harming our industry. If not, new BPA restrictions may directly impact the bottled water industry in negative ways.  If you want to get involved on this issue, please contact IBWA.

CHAIRMAN JOHN SPEED REPORTS

GEORGIA – 2 “TAX” BILLS

TENNESSEE – 2 “MANDATORY DEPOSIT” BILLS & 25 “TAX” BILLS

FLORIDA – 2 DRINKING WATER BILLS

GEORGIA H.B. 103 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Ron Stephens (R)

Summary: Provides for an exemption from local sales and use taxes for food and food ingredients.

http:­//www­.legi­s.ga.­gov/L­egisl­ation­/2011­2012/­10873­9.pdf­

Status: Introduced and referred to House Ways and Means Committee 1/31/2011. Hearing scheduled 2/16/2011.

Outlook: According to staff, hearings are open to the public and most are available online for viewing via the internet. Testimony is accepted at the discretion of the chair. Submission of testimony to the chair and committee staff is appreciated prior to the hearing. Measures are generally voted on the first time they are heard.

The sponsor of this measure is a member of the majority party who serves on the committee of referral, House Ways and Means. There are no cosponsors at this time. A hearing has yet to be scheduled; a timeframe for consideration has not been established.

This measure is similar to 2011 H.R. 81, sponsored by Representative Ron Stephens (R), which provides an amendment to the constitution to exempt the sale or use of food and food ingredients from taxation.

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

GEORGIA H.B. 153 –  GROUNDWATER

Sponsor: Representative Richard Smith (R)

Summary: Requires on and after July 1, 2016, each county, municipality, consolidated government, or local government authority which holds a permit to report quarterly to the Director the total volume of surface water withdrawn during the most recently completed calendar quarter and the total volume of treated water returned by the permit holder to the source of the permitted withdrawal. Requires, if the director determines that the returned amount most recently reported under is less than 75% of the withdrawn amount for any county, municipality, consolidated government, or local government authority which holds a permit, the director to modify the permit to impose a condition requiring that no new water service connection must be provided for any residence, building, or facility located within the jurisdiction of the permittee until a following quarterly report demonstrates that the returned amount equals or exceeds 75% of the withdrawn amount.

http:­//www­.legi­s.ga.­gov/L­egisl­ation­/2011­2012/­10903­5.pdf­

Status: Introduced 2/2/2011. Referred to Natural Resources 2/4/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor is a member of the majority party. This measure has been referred to the Natural Resources committee chaired by Representative Lynn Smith (R). The sponsor is a member of the committee of referral. A timeline for consideration has not yet been established. Committees are not required to hear every bill assigned to them. Both chambers of the Legislature, as well as the Executive, are controlled by the Republican party.

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

GEORGIA H.B. 178 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Chuck Sims (R)

Summary: Provides for prepaid state and local consumables taxes. Repeals the sales and use tax exemption regarding food and food ingredients and alters provisions regarding applicability and exemptions with respect to sales and use taxes on alcoholic beverages, tobacco or tobacco products, or food and food ingredients.

http:­//www­.legi­s.ga.­gov/L­egisl­ation­/2011­2012/­10920­2.pdf­

Status: Introduced and referred to House Ways and Means Committee 2/7/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor of this measure is a member of the majority party and serves as Secretary for the committee of referral, the House Ways and Means Committee. There are no cosponsors at this time. A hearing has yet to be scheduled; a timeframe for consideration has not been established. Republicans control both houses as well as the Executive Office in Georgia.

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 289 –  MANDATORY DEPOSITS

Sponsor: Representative Michael McDonald (D)

Summary: Establishes a deposit and recycling program for beverage containers made of glass, plastic, or aluminum/bimetal holding beer, soft drinks, water, tea, coffee and other specified beverages, but not medicines, flavoring substances, milk, liquids designed to be consumed only as a dietary supplement, frozen products, wine and spirits, and soups. The division of solid waste management within the department of environment and conservation would administer the program, with accounting functions performed by the department of revenue.

Requires, by September 1, 2011, any deposit beverage distributor manufacturing in the state to register with the department of revenue. After September 1, 2011, any person seeking to operate as a deposit beverage distributor must register no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of business. Also requires any redemption center or processor in this state to obtain certification by the department of environment and conservation.

Requires every deposit beverage distributor to pay, beginning on October 1, 2011, a container recovery fee for each deposit beverage container manufactured in or imported into the state to the department of revenue.

Requires that beginning March 1, 2013, each distributor must pay the refund value (deposit) of five cents per deposit beverage container to the department of revenue. Beginning April 1, 2013, deposit beverage distributors must charge a deposit equal to the five-cent refund value to the dealer or consumer for each deposit beverage container sold in Tennessee for beverages to be consumed off-premises. This provision does not apply to beverages to be consumed on-premises.

Establishes that no local government may impose or collect any assessment or fee on deposit beverage containers for the same or similar purpose of this bill. The payments of the fee would be accompanied with an inventory report of the number of containers manufactured in or imported into the state during the reporting period.

Establishes that redemption centers that would accept empty deposit beverage containers from consumers, provide refund values for the containers, and ensure that the properly sorted containers are received by a certified processor.

Establishes certain requirements for redemption centers, such as maintain a log of all consumer transactions, sort and consolidate the redeemed containers, provide all records and documentation of redemption activity to the department upon request, and provide a shipping report to the certified processor. Authorizes any certified redemption center to apply for and receive authorization from the department to cancel (crush, shred, or otherwise render a container unfit for redemption) redeemed deposit beverage containers.

Authorizes a reverse vending machine to act as a redemption center. Establishes certain requirements regarding the machine, such as being monitored during operating hours by an attendant and being routinely serviced.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB02­89.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/7/2011. Referred to House Conservation and Environment Committee and House Government Operations Committee and assigned to House General Subcommittee of Conservation 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Representative Michael McDonald (D), is a member of the minority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors. Republicans control both legislative chambers, as well as, the Governor’s office.

There is a companion bill in the Senate, S.B. 337, sponsored by Senator Jim Summerville (R).

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 337

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 290 –  GROUNDWATER

Sponsor: Representative Michael McDonald (D)

Summary: Prohibits the commissioner of environment and conservation from issuing or renewing a water quality control permit, certification, or variance that would allow surface coal mining operations to alter or disturb any ridge line above 2,000 feet elevation above sea level.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB02­90.pd­f­

Status: Filed 2/3/2011. Introduced 2/7/2011. Referred to House Conservation and Environment Committee and assigned to House General Subcommittee of Conservation and Environment 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Representative Michael McDonald (D), is a member of the minority party and sits on the committee of referral. The measure has not received any cosponsors. Republicans control both legislative chambers, as well as, the Governor’s office. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

There is a companion bill in the House, S.B. 578, sponsored by Senator Eric Stewart (D).

Under the Water Quality Control Act, a person must have a permit issued by the commissioner of environment and conservation to engage in certain activities, such as the construction or use of any new outlet for the discharge of any wastes into the waters of the state; the discharge of sewage, industrial wastes or other wastes into waters, or a location from which it is likely that the discharged substance will move into waters; and the construction, installation, or operation of a concentrated animal feeding operation.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 578

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal)

TENNESSEE H.B. 291 –  GROUNDWATER

Sponsor: Representative Michael McDonald (D)

Summary: Prohibits the commissioner of environment and conservation from issuing or renewing a water quality control permit, certification, or variance that would allow surface coal mining operations to alter or disturb any ridge line above 2,000 feet elevation above sea level.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB02­91.pd­f­

Status: Filed 2/3/2011. Introduced 2/7/2011. Referred to House Conservation and Environment Committee and assigned to House General Subcommittee of Conservation and Environment 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Representative Michael McDonald (D), is a member of the minority party and sits on the committee of referral. The measure has not received any cosponsors. Republicans control both legislative chambers, as well as, the Governor’s office. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

There is a companion bill in the House, S.B. 577, sponsored by Senator Eric Stewart (D).

Under the Water Quality Control Act, a person must have a permit issued by the commissioner of environment and conservation to engage in certain activities, such as the construction or use of any new outlet for the discharge of any wastes into the waters of the state; the discharge of sewage, industrial wastes or other wastes into waters, or a location from which it is likely that the discharged substance will move into waters; and the construction, installation, or operation of a concentrated animal feeding operation.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 577

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 293 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Jeanne Richardson (D)

Summary: Clarifies the taxation of food and food ingredients by referencing the definition. Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 1; Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 2 and Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB02­93.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/8/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Representative Jeanne Richardson (D), is a member of the minority party. A committee source expects this bill to be referred to the House Finance and Ways and Means Committee. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 442

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 307 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Craig Fitzhugh (D)

Summary: Reduces from 5.5% to 4.5% the sales tax rate on food. Amends TCA Title 67.

Status: Introduced 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Representative Craig Fitzhugh (D), is a member of the minority party. A committee source expects this bill to be referred to the House Finance and Ways and Means Committee. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature.

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 354 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Michael McDonald (D)

Summary: Reduces the sales and use tax on food and food ingredients for human consumption except prepared food, alcoholic beverages, candy, dietary supplements, and tobacco, from 5.5% to 2.75% beginning January 1, 2012. Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 6.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB03­54.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Representative Michael McDonald (D), is a member of the minority party. A committee source expects this bill to be referred to the House Transportation Committee. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee Legislature.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 566

TENNESSEE H.B. 360 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Michael McDonald (D)

Summary: Exempts food and food ingredients for human consumption except prepared food, alcoholic beverages, candy, dietary supplements, and tobacco, from the state sales and use tax beginning January 1, 2012.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB03­60.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Representative Michael McDonald (D), is a member of the minority party. A committee source expects this bill to be referred to the House Finance and Ways and Means Committee. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 565

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 380 –  GROUNDWATER

Sponsor: Representative David Hawk (R)

Summary: Requires the state to assume responsibility to regulate effluents during any period in which the federal government is unable to exercise its responsibilities because of inadequate funds to operate the appropriate regulatory agencies.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB03­80.pd­f­

Status: Filed 2/7/2011. Introduced 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Representative David Hawk (R), is a member of the majority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors, nor has it been referred to committee. Republicans control both legislative chambers, as well as, the Governor’s office. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

There is a companion bill in the Senate, S.B. 433, sponsored by Senator Steve Southerland.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 433

Effective Date: 7/1/2011

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 431 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Matthew Hill (R)

Summary: Provides for the state sales tax on food and food ingredients. Provides for the tax on food which is presently 5.5% to be reduced by .5% per year in any fiscal year following a year in which the amount of surplus state revenue collected above budgeted estimates exceeds $50 million. Includes that the tax rate of the retail sale of food and food ingredients sold as prepared food, alcoholic beverages, candy, dietary supplements and tobacco would not be subject to this rate reduction and would be set as provided under present law.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB04­31.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor is a member of the majority party. A committee source indicated that this measure will be referred to the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee. In Tennessee, Republicans hold a majority in the House and Senate. Companion bill S.B. 428 is sponsored by Senator Steve Southerland (R).

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 428

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 445 –  BPA

Sponsor: Representative Brenda Gilmore (D)

Summary: Establishes that beginning January 1, 2012, no person or entity shall manufacture, sell, or distribute in commerce in this state any reusable food or beverage container containing bisphenol A.

“Baby food” is defined as a prepared solid food consisting of a soft paste or an easily chewed food that is intended for consumption by children two years of age or younger and that is commercially available.

“Infant formula” is defined as a milk-based or soy-based powder, concentrated liquid, or ready-to-feed substitute for human breast milk that is intended for infant consumption and that is commercially available.

“Reusable food or beverage container” is defined as a receptacle for storing food or beverages, including baby bottles, spill-proof cups, sports bottles, and thermoses. “Reusable food or beverage container” does not include food or beverage containers intended for disposal after initial usage.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB04­45.pd­f­

Status: Filed 2/8/2011. Introduced 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Representative Brenda Gilmore (D), is a member of the minority party. Republicans control both legislative chambers, as well as, the Governor’s office. The measure has not received any cosponsors, nor has it been referred to committee.

Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

This measure is part of a 30 state, nationwide initiative from the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition to protect children and families from toxic chemicals.

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 522 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Mike Turner (D)

Summary: Prohibits General Assembly from raising tax rate on food above 5.5% beginning on July 1, 2011.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB05­22.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/10/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor is a member of the House minority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. There is a companion bill in the Senate, S.B. 586, sponsored by Representative Lowe Finney (D).

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 586

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 537 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Mike Stewart (D)

Summary: Imposes a one-cent per ounce privilege tax on bottled soft drinks containing sugar. Reduces from 5.5% to 4.5% the retail sales tax rate on food, which includes soft drinks.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB05­37.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/10/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor is a member of the minority party. A committee source expects this bill to be referred to the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. There are currently no cosponsors.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 521

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 1444 –  FOOD SAFETY

Sponsor: Representative Debra Young Maggart (R)

Summary: Requires that lavatories and wash rooms must be adjacent to toilet rooms, and must be supplied with soap, hot and cold running water and towels, and shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.

The provisions apply to every building, room, basement or cellar occupied or used for any food-producing or distributing establishment.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB14­44.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Representative Debra Young Maggart (R), is a member of the majority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors nor has it been referred to committee. Republicans control both legislative chambers as well as the Governor’s office. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

There is a companion bill in the Senate, S.B. 1859, sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R).

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 1859

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 1529 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Mike Turner (D)

Summary: Reduces from 5.5% to 5% the sales tax on food in fiscal year 2011-2012; reduces the rate from 5% to 4.5% in fiscal year 2012-2013.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB15­29.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Representative Mike Turner (D), is a member of the minority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature. Companion bill S.B. 1074 is sponsored by Senator Joe Haynes (D). This measure has not yet been referred to committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 1074

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 1662 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Gary Moore (D)

Summary: Reduces from 5.5% to 5% the retail sales tax on food and food ingredients.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB16­62.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Representative Gary Moore (D), is a member of the minority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature. Companion bill S.B. 1075 is sponsored by Senator Joe Haynes (D). This measure has not yet been referred to committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 1075

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal

TENNESSEE H.B. 1859 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative John Windle (D)

Summary: Removes the sales tax on retail sales of food and food ingredients.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB18­59.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Representative John Windle (D), is a member of the minority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature. Companion bill S.B. 1691 is sponsored by Senator Charlotte Burks (D). This measure has not yet been referred to committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 1691

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 1901 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD

Sponsor: Representative Joey Hensley (R)

Summary: Deletes the retail sales tax imposed on food and food ingredients.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB19­01.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Representative Joel Hensley (R), is a member of the majority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature. Companion bill S.B. 1345 is sponsored by Senator Jim Summerville (R). This measure has not yet been referred to committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 1345

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE H.B. 1914 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Representative Mike Stewart (D)

Summary: Enacts the “Tennessee Small Business Protection Act” to require combined reporting for franchise and excise tax purposes. Reduces sales tax on food from 5.5% to 4.5%.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/HB19­14.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Representative Mike Stewart (D), is a member of the minority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature. Companion bill S.B. 1614 is sponsored by Senator Beverly Marrero (D). This measure has not yet been referred to committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 1614

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE S.B. 337 –  MANDATORY DEPOSITS

Sponsor: Senator Jim Summerville (R)

Summary: Establishes a deposit and recycling program for beverage containers made of glass, plastic, or aluminum/bimetal holding beer, soft drinks, water, tea, coffee and other specified beverages, but not medicines, flavoring substances, milk, liquids designed to be consumed only as a dietary supplement, frozen products, wine and spirits, and soups. The division of solid waste management within the department of environment and conservation would administer the program, with accounting functions performed by the department of revenue.

Requires, by September 1, 2011, any deposit beverage distributor manufacturing in the state to register with the department of revenue. After September 1, 2011, any person seeking to operate as a deposit beverage distributor must register no later than 30 days prior to the commencement of business. Also requires any redemption center or processor in this state to obtain certification by the department of environment and conservation.

Requires every deposit beverage distributor to pay, beginning on October 1, 2011, a container recovery fee for each deposit beverage container manufactured in or imported into the state to the department of revenue.

Requires that beginning March 1, 2013, each distributor must pay the refund value (deposit) of five cents per deposit beverage container to the department of revenue. Beginning April 1, 2013, deposit beverage distributors must charge a deposit equal to the five-cent refund value to the dealer or consumer for each deposit beverage container sold in Tennessee for beverages to be consumed off-premises. This provision does not apply to beverages to be consumed on-premises.

Establishes that no local government may impose or collect any assessment or fee on deposit beverage containers for the same or similar purpose of this bill. The payments of the fee would be accompanied with an inventory report of the number of containers manufactured in or imported into the state during the reporting period.

Establishes that redemption centers that would accept empty deposit beverage containers from consumers, provide refund values for the containers, and ensure that the properly sorted containers are received by a certified processor.

Establishes certain requirements for redemption centers, such as maintain a log of all consumer transactions, sort and consolidate the redeemed containers, provide all records and documentation of redemption activity to the department upon request, and provide a shipping report to the certified processor. Authorizes any certified redemption center to apply for and receive authorization from the department to cancel (crush, shred, or otherwise render a container unfit for redemption) redeemed deposit beverage containers.

Authorizes a reverse vending machine to act as a redemption center. Establishes certain requirements regarding the machine, such as being monitored during operating hours by an attendant and being routinely serviced.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB03­37.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/7/2011. Referred to Senate Environment, Conservation, and Tourism Committee 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Senator Jim Summerville (R), is a member of the majority party and is the Secretary of the committee of referral. The measure has received two cosponsors, Senators Randy McNally (R) and Beverly Marrero (D). Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

There is a companion bill in the House, H.B. 289, sponsored by Representative Michael McDonald (D).

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 289

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE S.B. 428 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Steve Southerland (R)

Summary: Provides for the state sales tax on food and food ingredients.  Provides for the tax on food which is presently 5.5% to be reduced by .5% per year in any fiscal year following a year in which the amount of surplus state revenue collected above budgeted estimates exceeds $50 million. Includes that the tax rate of the retail sale of food and food ingredients sold as prepared food, alcoholic beverages, candy, dietary supplements and tobacco would not be subject to this rate reduction and would be set as provided under present law.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB04­28.pd­f­

Status: Introduced and referred to the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee 2/9/2011.

Outlook: This measure has been referred to committee, where it must receive a favorable recommendation before it can be considered for a floor vote in the Senate. The bill sponsor is a member of the majority party. In Tennessee, Republicans hold a majority in the House and Senate. Companion bill H.B. 431 is sponsored by Representative Matthew Hill (R).

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 431

TENNESSEE S.B. 433 –  GROUNDWATER

Sponsor: Senator Steve Southerland (R)

Summary: Requires the state to assume responsibility to regulate effluents during any period in which the federal government is unable to exercise its responsibilities because of inadequate funds to operate the appropriate regulatory agencies.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB04­33.pd­f­

Status: Filed 2/8/2011. Introduced 2/9/2011. Referred to Environment, Conservation, and Tourism Committee 2/10/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Senator Steve Southerland (R), is a member of the majority party and is the Chairman of the committee of referral. The measure has not received any cosponsors. Republicans control both legislative chambers, as well as, the Governor’s office. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

There is a companion bill in the House, H.B. 380, sponsored by Representative David Hawk (R).

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 380

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE S.B. 442 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Beverly Marrero (D)

Summary: Clarifies the taxation of food and food ingredients by referencing the definition. Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 1; Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 2 and Title 67, Chapter 6, Part 3.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB04­42.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/9/2011. Referred to the Senate Finance and Ways and Means Committee 2/10/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Senator Beverly Marerro (D), is a member of the minority party. A committee source expects this bill to be referred to the House Finance and Ways and Means Committee. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature.

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 293

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE S.B. 521 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Beverly Marrero (D)

Summary: Imposes a one-cent per ounce privilege tax on bottled soft drinks containing sugar. Reduces from 5.5% to 4.5% the retail sales tax rate on food, which includes soft drinks.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB05­21.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/10/2011. Referred to Senate Committee on Finance and Ways and Means 2/14/2011.

Outlook: This measure has been referred to committee where it must receive a favorable recommendation in order to be considered for a vote on the Senate floor. The sponsor is a member of the minority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. There are currently no cosponsors.

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 537

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal)

TENNESSEE S.B. 533 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Randy McNally (R)

Summary: Lowers the tax rate on retail sale of food from 5.5% to 5%.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB05­33.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/16/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor is a member of the Senate majority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors or been referred to a committee. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. There is a companion bill in the House, H.B. 743, sponsored by Representative Charles Sargent (R).

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 533

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE S.B. 565 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Andy Berke (D)

Summary: Exempts food and food ingredients for human consumption except prepared food, alcoholic beverages, candy, dietary supplements, and tobacco, from the state sales and use tax beginning January 1, 2012.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB05­65.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/10/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Senator Andy Berke (D), is a member of the minority party. A committee source expects this bill to be referred to the Senate Finance and Ways and Means Committee. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature.

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 360

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE S.B. 566 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Andy Berke (D)

Summary: Reduces the sales and use tax on food and food ingredients for human consumption except prepared food, alcoholic beverages, candy, dietary supplements, and tobacco, from 5.5% to 2.75% beginning January 1, 2012. Amends TCA Title 67, Chapter 6.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB05­66.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/10/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Senator Andy Berke (D), is a member of the minority party. A committee source expects this bill to be referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee Legislature.

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 354

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal)

TENNESSEE S.B. 577 –  GROUNDWATER

Sponsor: Senator Eric Stewart (D)

Summary: Prohibits the commissioner of environment and conservation from issuing or renewing a water quality control permit, certification, or variance that would allow surface coal mining operations to alter or disturb any ridge line above 2,000 feet elevation above sea level.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB05­77.pd­f­

Status: Filed 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Senator Eric Stewart (D), is a member of the minority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors nor has it been referred to committee. Republicans control both legislative chambers, as well as, the Governor’s office. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

There is a companion bill in the House, H.B. 291, sponsored by Representative Michael McDonald (D).

Under the Water Quality Control Act, a person must have a permit issued by the commissioner of environment and conservation to engage in certain activities, such as the construction or use of any new outlet for the discharge of any wastes into the waters of the state; the discharge of sewage, industrial wastes or other wastes into waters, or a location from which it is likely that the discharged substance will move into waters; and the construction, installation, or operation of a concentrated animal feeding operation.

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 291

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal)

TENNESSEE S.B. 578 –  GROUNDWATER

Sponsor: Senator Eric Stewart (D)

Summary: Prohibits the commissioner of environment and conservation from issuing or renewing a water quality control permit, certification, or variance that would allow surface coal mining operations to alter or disturb any ridge line above 2,000 feet elevation above sea level.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB05­78.pd­f­

Status: Filed 2/9/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Senator Eric Stewart (D), is a member of the minority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors nor has it been referred to committee. Republicans control both legislative chambers, as well as, the Governor’s office. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

There is a companion bill in the House, H.B. 290, sponsored by Representative Michael McDonald (D).

Under the Water Quality Control Act, a person must have a permit issued by the commissioner of environment and conservation to engage in certain activities, such as the construction or use of any new outlet for the discharge of any wastes into the waters of the state; the discharge of sewage, industrial wastes or other wastes into waters, or a location from which it is likely that the discharged substance will move into waters; and the construction, installation, or operation of a concentrated animal feeding operation.

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 290

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal)

TENNESSEE S.B. 586 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Lowe Finney (D)

Summary: Prohibits General Assembly from raising tax rate on food above 5.5% beginning on July 1, 2011.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB05­86.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/14/2011. Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, Ways and Means 2/16/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Senator Lowe Finney (D), is a member of the minority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. There is a companion bill in the House, H.B. 522, sponsored by Representative Mike Turner (D).

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 522

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE S.B. 738 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Reginald Tate (D)

Summary: Eliminates the state sales tax on food an implements a an individual income tax.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB07­38.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/16/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor is a member of the Senate minority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. There was a companion bill in the House, H.B. 1060, sponsored by Representative Johnnie Turner (D); however, it was withdrawn.

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal)

TENNESSEE S.B. 1074 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Joe Haynes (D)

Summary: Reduces from 5.5% to 5% the sales tax on food in fiscal year 2011-2012; reduces the rate from 5% to 4.5% in fiscal year 2012-2013.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB10­74.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Senator Joe Haynes (D), is a member of the minority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature. Companion bill H.B. 1529 is sponsored by Representative Gary Moore (D). This measure has not yet been referred to committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 1529

TENNESSEE S.B. 1075 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Joe Haynes (D)

Summary: Reduces from 5.5% to 5% the retail sales tax on food and food ingredients.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB10­75.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Senator Joe Haynes (D), is a member of the minority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature. Companion bill H.B. 1662 is sponsored by Representative Gary Moore (D). This measure has not yet been referred to committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 1662

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

TENNESSEE S.B. 1614 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Beverly Marrero (D)

Summary: Enacts the “Tennessee Small Business Protection Act” to require combined reporting for franchise and excise tax purposes. Reduces sales tax on food from 5.5% to 4.5%.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB16­14.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Senator Beverly Marrero (D), is a member of the minority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature. Companion bill H.B. 1914 is sponsored by Representative Mike Stewart (D). This measure has not yet been referred to committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 1914

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal

TENNESSEE S.B. 1691 –  TAX (EXCISE/SALES TAX ON FOOD)

Sponsor: Senator Charlotte Burks (D)

Summary: Removes the sales tax on retail sales of food and food ingredients.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB16­91.pd­f­

Status: Introduced 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The sponsor, Senator Charlotte Burks (D), is a member of the minority party. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity. This bill has companion legislation which is critical to passing bills in the Tennessee legislature. Companion bill H.B. 1859 is sponsored by Representative John Windle (D). This measure has not yet been referred to committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 1859

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome

TENNESSEE S.B. 1859 –  FOOD SAFETY

Sponsor: Senator Rusty Crowe (R)

Summary: Requires that lavatories and wash rooms must be adjacent to toilet rooms, and must be supplied with soap, hot and cold running water and towels, and shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.

The provisions apply to every building, room, basement or cellar occupied or used for any food-producing or distributing establishment.

http:­//www­.capi­tol.t­n.gov­/Bill­s/107­/Bill­/SB18­59.pd­f­

Status: Filed 2/17/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Senator Rusty Crowe (R), is a member of the majority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors nor has it been referred to committee. Republicans control both legislative chambers as well as the Governor’s office. Tennessee does not have deadlines and bills may be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

There is a companion bill in the House, H.B. 1444, sponsored by Representative Debra Young Maggart (R).

Companion Bill: 2011 H.B. 1444

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal)

FLORIDA H.B. 4021 –  DRINKING WATER

Sponsor: Representative Ritch Workman (R)

Summary: Repeals provisions relating to the regulation of water vending machines and permitting of water vending machine operators. Deletes provisions for deposit of operator permitting fees, enforcement of state’s water vending machine regulations, penalties, and preemption of county and municipal water vending machine regulations.

http:­//www­.myfl­orida­house­.gov/­Secti­ons/D­ocume­nts/l­oaddo­c.asp­x?Fil­eName­=_h40­21__.­docx&­amp;D­ocume­ntTyp­e=Bil­l&­;Bill­Numbe­r=402­1&­;Sess­ion=2­011­

Status: Prefiled 1/12/2011. Referred to House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee and House Economic Affairs Committee 1/26/2011. Hearing held and passed out of House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee 2/8/2011.

Outlook: The measure now awaits consideration in the House Economic Affairs Committee. A hearing was held on February 8 and the measure passed out of the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee favorably.

The bill sponsor, Representative Ritch Workman (R), is a member of the majority party. He sits on the Economic Affairs Committee, but does not sit on the Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee. The measure has not received any cosponsors.

This measure is a prefile for the 2011 Legislative Session, which is scheduled to convene March 8. Due to the short length of the Legislative Session, pre-filed bills may be assigned to committee and acted on in committee during the interim. The measure cannot be considered on the floor until the 2011 session formally convenes.

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

FLORIDA S.B. 1090 –  DRINKING WATER

Sponsor: Senator Charles Dean (R)

Summary: Establishes that the Department of Environmental Protection, the water management districts, and local governmental entities may not implement or give any force or effect with respect to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s rules for numeric nutrient water quality criteria

Establishes that the prohibition does not limit a water management district or other state, regional, or local governmental entity from applying for any pollution discharge permit or complying with the conditions of such permits, including those issued under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, or from implementing best management practices or source control or pollution abatement measures for water quality improvement programs as provided by law.

Establishes that the department may adopt numeric nutrient water quality criteria for a particular surface water or group of surface waters if the department determines that such criteria are necessary to protect aquatic life that is reasonably expected to inhabit those waters. Site-specific criteria adopted:

(a) Must be based on objective and credible data, studies, and reports establishing nutrient levels that water bodies may accept or assimilate without exhibiting imbalances of naturally occurring populations of flora and fauna, based on a cause and effect relationship between nutrient levels and biological responses.

(b) May be expressed in terms of concentration, mass loading, waste load allocation, load allocation, and surrogate 86 standards, such as chlorophyll a, and may be supplemented by narrative statements.

(3) Numeric nutrient total maximum daily loads and associated numeric interpretations of the narrative nutrient criteria, whether total nitrogen, total phosphorus, nitrate/nitrite, or a surrogate nutrient standard, such as chlorophyll a, biological demand, or a specific biological metric, developed by the department and approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as of December 6, 2010, constitute site-specific numeric nutrient water quality criteria.

Establishes that such site-specific water quality criteria are:

1. Not effective if the United States Environmental Protection Agency disapproves, approves in part, or conditions its approval of the criteria, unless ratified by the Legislature.

2. Subject to s. 403.067, Florida Statutes, including any rules or orders issued thereunder, and to challenges under s.120.56(3), Florida Statutes.

Establishes that once approved and effective, site-specific water quality criteria may be modified, based on objective and credible data, studies, and reports, by department rulemaking in accordance with s. 403.804, Florida Statutes.

http:­//www­.myfl­orida­house­.gov/­Secti­ons/D­ocume­nts/l­oaddo­c.asp­x?Fil­eName­=_s10­90__.­DOCX&­amp;D­ocume­ntTyp­e=Bil­l&­;Bill­Numbe­r=109­0&­;Sess­ion=2­011­

Status: Prefiled 2/15/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Senator Charles Dean (R), is a member of the majority party. The measure has not received any cosponsors nor has it been referred to committee. Republicans control both legislative chambers as well as the Governor’s office. The measure is likely to be considered.

This measure is a prefile for the 2011 Legislative Session, which is scheduled to convene March 8. Due to the short length of the Legislative Session, pre-filed bills may be assigned to committee and acted on in committee during the interim. The measure cannot be considered on the floor until the 2011 session formally convenes.

Effective Date: 7/1/2011

Goal (internal): Status (internal): Outcome (internal):

Updated: Apr 05, 2011 4:30 PM CDT

By Michelle Rupp

Hot Springs – One Arkansas company is doing it’s share to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.  Mountain Valley Spring Water in Hot Springs is sending more than ten thousand cases of it’s bottled water.

These green bottles have been to the White House, featured in movies and soon will be on their way to the other side of the world.  Mountain Valley Water has been exporting to Japan for several years.  A few weeks ago however, their orders got much larger.  “Certainly after the tsunami and the need for good, clean, premium water, we got the call and as we speak we are actually loading ocean going containers.” says Taylor Cranor, of Mountain Valley Spring Company.

The bottles will be shipped from Hot Springs, to Memphis, Tennessee.  Then loaded on a railcar and sent to Southern California then onto Yokohama, Japan.  “We’re pleased nature has dealt us with the capacity to supply them.  Certainly Hot Springs is in not in any proximity to Japan but they fact they called on us we’re very proud of for the state of Arkansas and for Mountain Valley”

More than a thousand cases will be filled by the end of the day.  Every bottle on the line Tuesday is ear marked for Japan.  Even down to the label.  “If you look at the translation on our bottle, all though I cannot translate it for you, is very much in detail to keep the Japanese consumer very informed of the quality of our product.”

It’ll take about 6 weeks for these bottles to reach Yokohama, Japan.  They will then be distributed to retailers throughout the region.

This release has been provided by Breck Speed, CEO and President, Mountain Valley Spring Co. If you would like to be added to Breck’s regular Press Release distribution list, feel free to contact him as follows: Breck Speed, bspeed@mountainvalleyspring.com, office 501-624-1635.