Title: An act relating to encouraging energy efficiency.

Brief Description: Encouraging energy efficiency.

Sponsors: House Committee on Apps Subcom GG (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Morrell and Hudgins).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/18/08, 95-0.

Committee Activity: Water, Energy & Telecommunications: 2/27/08.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WATER, ENERGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Staff: Scott Boettcher (786-7416)

Background: Compact fluorescent lights or other fluorescent light bulbs are an energy-efficient lighting option, requiring up to four times less energy to provide the same amount of light as incandescent light bulbs. Fluorescent light bulbs can last up to ten times longer than incandescent light bulbs. The use of fluorescent light bulbs, compared to incandescent light bulbs, reduces the release of mercury and greenhouse gases emissions from coal-burning power plants.

Federal regulations require commercial and industrial entities to manage end of life mercury-containing light bulbs as a hazardous waste. Households are exempt from these regulations. Some states like California and Massachusetts require that waste fluorescent light bulbs be recycled or taken to a household hazardous waste collection facility.

In Washington, entities that generate large quantities of hazardous waste are required to recycle or dispose of fluorescent bulbs at hazardous waste disposal facilities. Homeowners and businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste do not face this requirement, and may legally dispose of waste fluorescent light bulbs at local landfills subject to local requirements. King County and Snohomish County have local ordinances that prohibit the disposal of waste lamps in local landfills. About 20 percent of fluorescent bulbs are recycled in Washington. This results in about 100 lbs of mercury a year being diverted from local landfills.

Summary of Bill: The Department of Ecology (Ecology) must convene a work group of affected interests to consider and make recommendations on the following: (1) the most effective, cost-efficient, and convenient method for consumers to collect and recycle end-of-life general purpose lights; (2) methods to educate consumers about proper management, and collection of, end of-life general purpose lights; and (3) designation on general purpose lights and light packaging about proper recycling of lights.

Ecology must report its findings and recommendations for implementing and financing a fluorescent lamp recycling program to the Legislature by December 1, 2008.

General purpose lights are defined as "lamps, bulbs, tubes, or other electric devices that provide functional illumination for indoor residential, indoor commercial, and outdoor use." Specialty lights are excluded from the definition of general purpose lights.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.