ANALYSIS OF SSB 5474

House Agriculture & Ecology Committee            April 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.

Although the standards must provide for exceptions for products that do not meet minimum content standards, there is no express exemption for certain paper products manufactured in timber impact areas.

SUMMARY:

An exception is created to the product standards for recycled products purchased by state agencies for printing and writing papers manufactured by a paper mill located in a timber impact area with less than 500 employees.