Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
State Government & Tribal Relations Committee
HB 1518
Brief Description: Concerning environmental standards of paper products for printers and copiers that are purchased by the state, for state agencies.
Sponsors: Representatives Stonier and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Permits state agencies to purchase paper produced in a process that yields at least 40 percent less carbon dioxide than standard copy paper, rather than 100 percent recycled content paper.
Hearing Date: 3/10/21
Staff: Jason Zolle (786-7124).
Background:

The Department of Enterprises Services (DES) oversees the state recycled content standards for several types of products, including paper.  In 2009 the Legislature passed an act requiring each state agency to purchase 100 percent recycled content white cut sheet bond paper used in office printers and copiers.  Agencies are encouraged to give priority to purchasing from companies that produce paper in facilities that generate energy from a renewable energy source.  If the agency's printers and copiers cannot be calibrated to use such paper, paper must be purchased at the highest recycled content that can be efficiently used and the equipment must be replaced, at the end of its lease or life cycle, with equipment that can use 100 percent recycled paper.
 
The requirement to use 100 percent recycled content paper also does not apply to printed projects that require the use of high-volume production inserters or high-speed digital devices.  Those projects must use the highest recycled content that can be efficiently used.
 
The DES is required to identify 100 percent recycled paper products that process efficiently through high-speed production equipment and do not impede the business of agencies.
Summary of Bill:

By July 1, 2023, state agencies may purchase paper produced in a process that yields at least 40 percent less carbon dioxide than standard copy paper, rather than 100 percent recycled content paper.  Standard copy paper means paper that emits 1,186 kilograms of carbon dioxide per metric ton of paper produced.
 
Corresponding requirements and exceptions are modified accordingly.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.