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Teno seeks ban on laundry detergents
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Posted on Mar 15 2000
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has asked the Legislature to enact legislation that will ban the use of laundry detergents containing phosphate in the CNMI to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem.
House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial said the governor may invoke his authority to issue an executive order that will lead to the ban on importation of these detergent products or the legislative branch can pass a measure.
Cheap detergents imported from Asian countries flood the local market as they are very popular among consumers who are in a tight budget.
While he did not indicate which products will be vanished from store shelves, Mr. Fitial said the ban is necessary as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has forbidden a long time ago use of detergents with phosphate ingredients.
“Our environment needs tender, loving care,” he told the House session yesterday, citing the damage of detergents to the island’s marine life. “It’s very serious.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas B. Pangelinan yesterday criticized statement made by the Marianas Visitors Authority objecting to his bill proposing collection of fees and issuance of permits for scuba diving activities in the CNMI.
MVA said such a move is inappropriate at this time as it would impose additional costs to tourists. But Mr. Pangelinan defended the measure, saying a $10 license fee per year is not too much to chase away tourists.
“We have ignored for many years the critical need to be environmental conscientious individuals. We must now and we should be for the best interest of our people and our children,” he said.
