HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 2287

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

Requires the Department of General Administration to establish a pilot program for three state agencies.
Requires the three pilot state agencies to purchase 100 percent recycled content white printing and copy paper, develop and implement a paper conservation program and a paper recycling program.
Requires the Department of General Administration to submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2013, on the amount each pilot program agency spent on paper and the amount of paper each agency utilized.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 22 members: Representatives Linville, Chair; Ericks, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dammeier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Cody, Conway, Darneille, Haigh, Hinkle, Hunt, Hunter, Kagi, Kenney, Kessler, Pettigrew, Priest, Ross, Schmick, Seaquist and Sullivan.

Background:

The Department of General Administration (GA) oversees the state recycled content standards for several types of products, including paper. The GA was directed to implement a plan for state agencies to increase their recycled content product purchases back in the late 1990s. In the plan, a graduated increase in purchases of recycled content paper was required. The State Printer also has specific percentage purchase requirements for recycled content paper.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

By December 31, 2009, the GA must establish a pilot program for three state agencies. There must be one of each of the following agencies in the pilot: (1) an agency with fewer than 100 employees, (2) an agency with between 100-500 employees, and (3) an agency with more than 500 employees.

By July 1, 2010, the pilot program agencies must: (1) purchase 100 percent recycled content white printing and copy paper, (2) develop and implement a paper conservation program with the goal of conserving at least 30 percent of their current paper use, and (3) develop and implement a paper recycling program with a goal of recycling 100 percent of all copy and printing paper.

The pilot agencies are encouraged to give priority to purchasing 100 percent recycled content paper from companies that produce paper in facilities that generate energy from a renewable energy source.

By December 1, 2013, the GA must submit a report to the Legislature that contains the amount each pilot program agency spent on paper and the amount of paper each agency utilized.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The City of Seattle has a program like this and they were able to use less paper and save money. In my experience there are no problems with 100 percent recycled paper jamming copier machines or printers. This bill is designed as closed loop process, and is a great conservation measure.

(In support with concerns) The Department of Ecology (DOE) has set up an aggressive recycling and paper use reduction program using 100 percent recycled paper with great success. It serves the DOE's needs and doesn’t jam printers. There has been limited success with state agency transition to 100 percent recycled paper because of myths related to its cost and that it jams printing machines. The DOE suggests the following amendments to the current version of the bill: (1) amend the existing recycled paper and product procurement laws; (2) require the Department of General Administration to develop standards for recycled product procurement; and (3) change existing laws related to state agency recycling programs, that include performance measures and deadlines for agencies to implement programs. If the DOE is removed from the coordinating effort, the DOE’s fiscal impact will be significantly reduced.

(Opposed) None.