Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Environmental Health Committee

HB 1168

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.

Brief Description: Reducing the environmental impact of cleaning state facilities.

Sponsors: Representatives Simpson and Wood.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires all state agencies to purchase and use cleaning products that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment.

  • Directs the Department of General Administration, in consultation with the Department of Health and the Department of Ecology, to provide guidance and promote the use of cleaning products that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment.

Hearing Date: 1/28/09

Staff: Pam Madson (786-7111)

Background:

The Department of General Administration (Department) coordinates state agencies' purchases and sales of goods and services. The Director of the Department must establish overall state policy for determining where and when an item in the state supply system should be stocked. In addition, the Director of the Department must develop state goals for using recycled or environmentally preferable products. The Secretary of the Department of Health

(DOH) must periodically review personal health and sanitation conditions at state-owned or

contracted institutions and facilities. The Department of Ecology (DOE) is established as the

state agency with the authority to carry out an integrated and coordinated program of pollution prevention and control.

Summary of Bill:

All state agencies that purchase cleaning products or services must use products that minimize the potential impacts to human health and the environment consistent with public health and safety. The Department, in consultation with the DOH and the DOE, must:

  1. provide guidance to state agencies to select appropriate products and promote use of these products;

  2. recognize agencies that implement environmentally beneficial practices; and

  3. encourage those who contract with the state or lease space to the state to use environmentally preferred products and practices.

Agencies must transition to the use of these products within six months of the effective date of the act in a manner that avoids waste of existing inventories, accommodates new product supply chains, and allows training of employees.

Agencies must document reasons for not using environmentally preferred products, such as where germicidal and disinfectant products are necessary or required to control the spread of disease and bacteria.

Agencies must submit a biennial report electronically to the Department that lists the products and amounts of products used and the reasons for using nonpreferred products.

Local governments and schools districts are encouraged to use environmentally preferred products.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2009.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.