[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 194 (Thursday, October 7, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 60144]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-22702]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Office of Manufacturing; Roundtable on the 3Rs Initiative (Reduce 
Waste, Reuse, and Recycle); Notice of Meeting

    The U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Manufacturing is hosting 
an outreach meeting to discuss the 3Rs Initiative (Reduce waste, Reuse 
and Recycle) that was introduced by the Government of Japan and 
supported by the U.S. at the 2004 G8 summit in Sea Island, Georgia. The 
following objectives for the Initiative were established by the G-8 
nations.
    (1) Reduce waste, reuse and recycle resources and products to the 
extent feasible
    (2) Reduce barriers to the international flow of goods and 
materials for recycling and remanufacturing, recycled and 
remanufactured products, and cleaner, more efficient technologies, 
consistent with existing environmental and trade obligations and 
frameworks;
    (3) Encourage cooperation among various stakeholders (central 
governments, local governments, the private sector, NGOs and 
communities), including voluntary and market-based activities;
    (4) Promote science and technology suitable for 3Rs; and
    (5) Cooperate with developing countries in such areas as capacity 
building, raising public awareness, human resource development and 
implementation of recycling projects.
    It was further agreed at Sea Island that Japan would host a 
Ministerial level conference on the Initiative. This has been scheduled 
by the Government of Japan for April 28-30, 2005 in Tokyo. The White 
House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is leading an interagency 
effort to determine what the United States shall attempt to accomplish 
through the 3Rs Initiative and the policy approaches for the 
Ministerial Conference. Joseph H. Bogosian, the Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Manufacturing at the U.S. Department of Commerce, is 
hosting this meeting in order to solicit input from all interested 
stakeholders including representatives of manufacturers, retailers, 
recyclers, and environmental organizations.
    The following points may be useful as an aide for discussion:
    1. Definition of ``re-used'' goods. Varying industries define it 
differently:
    (a) Remanufactured;
    (b) Refurbished; and
    (c) ``Re-used'' as distinguished from ``used'' goods.
    2. Trade and Market Access Issues (impacting inbound products and 
exports).
    3. Standards Issues.
    4. Recycling Incentives.
    5. Possible Models:
    (a) Product approach;
    (b) Process approach.
    6. Best Practices from Earlier Trade Agreements, and Existing Legal 
and Regulatory Barriers.
    7. Benefits to:
    (a) The Environment;
    (b) The Economy and Jobs.
    The event is open to the public and the press. Please RSVP and 
submit any written comments to [email protected]. Please 
include your name, phone number, and organization affiliation.

DATES: Thursday, October 14, 2004.

TIME: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

ADDRESSES: U.S. Department of Commerce Auditorium, 1401 Constitution 
Ave, NW., Washington, DC 20230. Enter through the Department of 
Commerce main entrance on 14th Street between Constitution and 
Pennsylvania Avenues. Bring a photo ID for security purposes. This 
meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah E. Aker, Office of the Deputy 
Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing, Department of Commerce, Room 
2132, 1401 Constitution Ave., Washington, DC 20230 (phone: (202) 482-
1124).

    Dated: October 4, 2004.
Sarah E. Aker,
Special Assistant.
[FR Doc. 04-22702 Filed 10-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P