Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) this week voted in favor of legislation to expand the state’s bottle bill law, and to ban the use of artificial trans fat in Connecticut restaurants.

“Expanding Connecticut’s bottle bill and eliminating the use of artificial trans fat in Connecticut restaurants are steps toward creating a healthier environment for state residents. As with other new lifestyle changes, it may take time to get used to doing things differently, but it will have a positive impact both on our health and our environment,” said Senator Freedman.

Specifically, SB 1289, An Act Concerning Expansion of the Bottle Bill, expands the state’s existing bottle redemption law to include noncarbonated, nonalcoholic and nondairy beverages sold in glass, aluminum and PET plastic containers smaller than 20 ounces. The handling fee paid redemption centers would be increased from two to three cents per container, except for beer containers on which the current 1.5 cent handling fee would remain.

Legislation regarding the use of artificial trans fat by restaurants was passed by the Senate as an amendment to another piece of legislation. Specifically, it would prohibit restaurants from serving food prepared with cooking oils containing artificial trans fat beginning on July 1, 2008, and from serving any food containing artificial trans fat beginning on December 31, 2008. Recent scientific studies have linked artificial trans fat to a significant increase in the risk of several diseases, include coronary heart disease.