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DAILY NEWS
Jul 18, 2006 9:19 AM
Michigan politicians propose inspection fees for trash trucks
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By: James Menzies
TORONTO, Ont. -- The US Senate has passed a bill that would require companies hauling Toronto trash to Michigan to shell out a $475 per truck homeland security inspection fee.
It takes four customs officers about four hours to search the trucks that haul garbage across the border. There are about 80 truckloads of Toronto trash trucked into Michigan each day.
Republic Services, the company that takes care of Toronto's garbage, is disputing the charge saying it's illegal under the Free Trade Act. He also said the bill would have to start in the House of Representatives before becoming law.
"You can't selectively tax one group of people," Republic's Will Flower told the Toronto Sun. "They'd have to apply this tax to all vehicles."
However, US Senator Debbie Stabenow has announced "This is a major victory for Michigan," adding "Until the administration uses its authority to stop the trash completely, it should be the Canadian trash haulers, not American taxpayers, footing the bill for these inspections."
Michigan Senator Carl Levin added "We have seen significant evidence that Canadian trash trucks pose a security risk and that the trucks are not screened adequately. If we can't be sure the cargo is safe, the trash should not be let in."
