Did EPEAT consider a criterion prohibiting the use of prison labor in recycling programs?
The EPEAT Development Team (DT) and the Criteria Subgroup had several discussions about the prison labor issue, developed an issue paper, and voted on a proposal to include such a criterion. The DT decided against including this criterion. A primary consideration was that federal agency representatives reported that if this criterion was included, it would make it difficult, or perhaps impossible, for federal agencies to use the EPEAT tool for purchasing. Prison labor is a federally sponsored program. The Federal Prison Industries was created by an Act of Congress (Pub. L. No. 73-461, 48 Stat. 1211), on June 23, 1934. On December 11, 1934, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6917, which formally created Federal Prison Industries (trade name UNICOR). Subpart 8.6, item (e) of the Federal Acquisition Regulations states that “Agencies are encouraged to purchase FPI supplies and services to the maximum extent practicable.” Banning the use of prison labor for recycling of EPEAT- quali
