WHEREAS, Virginia's manufacturing sector is a key economic driver of the Virginia economy and is a significant user of raw materials and energy; and

WHEREAS, an increasing number of Virginia manufacturers are using recycled material in the manufacturing process as a way to reduce energy consumption, curtail adverse environmental effects, and become more competitive; and

WHEREAS, the use of recycled material in the manufacturing process presents an economic opportunity in the creation of new Virginia markets for recycled material; and

WHEREAS, it is in the Commonwealth's interest to foster the creation and expansion of new markets for recycled material in Virginia and to ensure that Virginia manufacturers are able to source recycled material within the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Manufacturing Development Commission be directed to study the economic and environmental benefits of the use of recycled material in the manufacturing process in Virginia. In addition, the Manufacturing Development Commission (Commission) shall make recommendations on ways to enhance the market for recycled material to the benefit of Virginia manufacturers and suppliers [ , while not creating any adverse financial burdens for Virginia's retailers or consumers ] .

The Office of the Clerk of the Senate shall provide administrative staff support. The Division of Legislative Services shall provide legal, research, policy analysis, and other services as requested by the Commission. Technical assistance shall be provided to the Commission by the Department of Environmental Quality. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission for this study, upon request.

The Manufacturing Development Commission shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2014, and the chairman shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary of its findings and recommendations no later than the first day of the 2015 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall state whether the Commission intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.