Despite the fact that this is within the present system and not a paradigm shift or "Second Strategy" (Y. Bajard), it is IMO still a positive. It legitimizes to some extent the recognition that there is a 'problem'; many still try to deny even that. Steve PS Sorry for format, & note this occurred over 2 months ago. >-----Original Message----- > CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION INCLUDES TNS! >>> > >>> > On June 8, 1999, the General Assembly of the state of Connecticut >passed a >>> > bill that specifically includes reference to principles for >sustainability >>> > and The Natural Step. The bill is designed to reward companies that >>> > demonstrate "an exemplary record of compliance with environmental laws" >and >>> > are "registered as meeting the ISO 14001 Environmental Management >System >>> > Standard and have adopted principles for sustainability." The Natural >Step >>> > framework is included in the bill's definition of principles for >sustainability. >>> > >>> > This bill, known as "An Act Concerning Exemplary Environmental >Management >>> > Systems," is the first of its kind in the United States and stands as >an example of how policy makers can accelerate and strengthen the field of >sustainable development. Bob Maddox, Republican Representative for the >state of Connecticut, who has attended two Natural Step annual workshops, >was the driver behind the bill. >>> > >>> > "When it came time to write this bill, it was a presentation by >Dr.RobĖrt that was my guiding compass. Dr. RobĖrt correctly observed that >ISO 14001 independent of a global framework, like TNS, is virtually >meaningless. Truly cutting-edge companies must demonstrate a change in their >corporate culture, and adoption of TNS principals is a sure signal they have >an exemplary environmental management system." >>> > >>> > Any business required to obtain a permit or other approval from the >Commissioner of Environmental Protection in the state of Connecticut may >apply for the benefits of this program once it has been certified in ISO >14001 and demonstrated that it has adopted The Natural Step framework or >other internationally-recognized principles for sustainability. The >benefits of the program are significant, including system-wide permits, an >acceleration of the permit process, and the possibility of waiving certain >fees. >>> > >>> > The board and staff of The Natural Step US congratulate Representative >Maddox and his colleagues for the passage of this bill and their >extraordinary vision. For more information about this bill please visit >>> > the State of Connecticut's General Assembly website at >http://www.cga.state.ct.us and search for House bill 6830, Senate amendment >A. >
