HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2263
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Title: An act relating to the phosphorus content in dishwashing detergent.
Brief Description: Regarding the phosphorus content in dishwashing detergent.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Moeller, Orcutt and Newhouse.
Brief History:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/26/07 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives B. Sullivan, Chair; Blake, Vice Chair; Kretz, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dickerson, Eickmeyer, Grant, Hailey, Kagi, Lantz, McCoy, Newhouse, Orcutt, Strow and VanDeWege.
Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).
Background:
Phosphorous is a naturally occurring element that stimulates plant growth. When introduced
into freshwater, phosphorous promotes growth of weeds and algae and can degrade water
quality.
The sale of laundry detergent that contains 0.5 percent or more phosphorous by weight, and
the sale of dishwashing detergent that contains more than 8.7 percent phosphorous by weight
is prohibited.
The sale of dishwashing detergent that contains 0.5 percent or more phosphorous by weight is
prohibited after July 1, 2008, in counties with populations greater than 180,000 and less than
220,000 and in counties with populations greater than 390,000 and less than 650,000.
Beginning July 1, 2010, the restriction on the sale of dishwashing detergent that contains
more than 0.5 percent or more phosphorous by weight is effective statewide.
The sale and distribution of detergents for commercial and industrial uses are exempt from
the phosphorus limitation.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning July 1, 2008, dishwashing detergent may not be sold if it contains 0.5 percent or
more phosphorus by weight in counties located east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains
where the population is less than 600,000 but greater than 390,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Phosphorus is seeping into the aquifer in Spokane. The industry is trying to
bring a new product to the market, but would like a 2010 implementation date. Finding a
substitute for phosphate has been difficult; testing has so far been unsuccessful. The industry
needs to research and develop a product that meets the needs of the consumer. Keeping the
current implementation date of 2008 would affect grocery stores and distribution.
(With concerns) The three counties affected by current law have acute water quality
problems. There are successful alternatives on the market, and those alternatives have been
rated as highly effective.
(Opposed) Phosphorus has a significant effect on our water supply. Delaying the
implementation would hinder the clean-up of Washington's aquifers.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Blake, prime sponsor; Dave Ducharme and
Jan Wengler, Reckett Benckiser; and Tony McKinley, Northwest Grocery Association.
(With concerns) Craig Engelking, Sierra Club.
(Opposed) Melodie Selby, Washington State Department of Ecology.