SENATE 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.

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 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: PRO: The city of Seattle has a program like this and they were able to use less paper and save money. Universities and colleges in our state do this as do many private businesses that have programs such as the one outlined in the bill. There is a striking amendment that the committee is asked to move. The striking amendment continues to direct state agencies to continue to work towards 100 percent recycled paper. The original bill would have created difficulties in that the machines in some agencies cannot handled 100 percent recycled paper so the striking amendment builds in flexibility.