SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6310

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 6, 1992

Brief Description:  Prohibiting government purchase of tropical hardwood products.

SPONSORS: Senators McMullen, Bauer, Anderson and Metcalf

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6310 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Conner, Owen, Snyder, and Sutherland.

Minority Report:  Do not pass and do not substitute. 

      Signed by Senators Oke, Vice Chairman; Amondson, and Sellar.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates: February 3, 1992; February 6, 1992

BACKGROUND:

There has been an increasing concern about the depletion of tropical forests.  Some of those forest lands are being used to provide hardwood timbers for worldwide markets.  Of the tropical hardwood producing areas of the world, 43 percent are in Latin America; 29 percent are in Africa; 15 percent are in southeast Asia and 5 percent are elsewhere.  Examples of hardwoods include beech, mahogany, boxwood, ebony, ironwood, oak, mangrove, walnut, cypress, locus, rosewood and pao.

SUMMARY:

After December 31, 1992, the Department of General Administration and cities, counties or taxing districts will not buy any products made from tropical hardwoods.  The Department of General Administration shall adopt rules defining tropical hardwoods and products made from tropical hardwood.  The Department of General Administration can grant exemptions to maintain historical or architectural integrity for structures in existence on December 31, 1992 or for a particular product upon finding by the Director of General Administration that no cost-effective substitute is available.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Paper products made from tropical hardwoods are exempt and the law will not affect existing contracts.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The bill is needed to stop deforestation of tropical forests.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The bill is in violation of free trade.

TESTIFIED:  Christine Nasser, Seattle Rainforest Group (pro); Liam O'Callaghan (pro); Dave Rogers, Washington Public Ports Association (con)