ANALYSIS OF HB 1476

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee       February 3, 1997

BACKGROUND:

When the Department of General Administration or other state agencies purchase recycled products, the products must meet the product standards published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for recycled products.  These standards are published in the Code of Federal Regulations.  Local governments may adopt these standards if they choose.

The standards must be implemented for the following products by July 1, 1997:  paper and paper products, organic recovered materials, latex paint products, products containing recycled plastics for lower value uses, retread and remanufactured tires, lubricating oils, automotive batteries, building insulation, panel board, and compost products.

On October 20th, 1993, President Clinton adopted Executive Order 12873 to encourage the use of recycled products by federal agencies.  The list of products contained in the executive order is broader than the list of recycled product standards published by USEPA because the executive order includes concrete and cement containing fly ash.

SUMMARY:

Recycled products purchased by state agencies must meet the product standards set forth in the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Presidential Executive Order 12873 on recycling.