Brief Description: Regarding the phosphorus content in dishwashing detergent.

Sponsors: By Representatives Blake, Moeller, Orcutt and Newhouse.

House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
Senate Committee on Water, Energy & Telecommunications

Background:

Phosphorus is a naturally occurring element that stimulates plant growth. When introduced into freshwater, phosphorus 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:

The sale of dishwashing detergent that contains 0.5 percent or more phosphorus by weight is prohibited beginning July 1, 2008, in counties east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains with populations greater than 400,000.

Beginning July 1, 2008, and ending June 30, 2010, in counties located west of the crest of the Cascade Mountains with populations greater than 180,000 but less than 200,000, dishwashing detergent may not be sold that contains 0.5 percent or more phosphorus by weight; however, in those counties, the sale of single use packages that contain no more than 2 grams of phosphorus is permitted.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   88   8

House   95   0
Senate   49   0   (Senate amended)
House         (House refused to concur)
Senate   47   2   (Senate amended)
House   97   0   (House concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008