SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2818
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. |
As of February 25, 2010
Title: An act relating to reducing the environmental health impact of cleaning in state facilities.
Brief Description: Reducing the environmental health impact of cleaning in state facilities.
Sponsors: House Committee on Environmental Health (originally sponsored by Representatives Chase and Simpson).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/15/10, 73-25.
Committee Activity: Environment, Water & Energy: 2/23/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, WATER & ENERGY |
Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)
Background: The Department of General Administration (GA) coordinates state agencies' purchases and sales of goods and services. The Director of GA 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 GA 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 (Ecology) 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 are required to purchase cleaning products or services that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment consistent with the protection of public health and safety.
GA must:
identify and recommend environmentally preferred cleaning products for use by state agencies, in consultation with DOH and Ecology, using nationally recognized accrediting information. Environmentally preferred cleaning products must achieve a comparable level of performance to the products being replaced; and
require building managers and lessors who lease space to the state to use environmentally preferred cleaning products and practices.
State agencies must transition to environmentally preferred cleaning products within six months of publication of the list in the Washington State Register. The transition must:
avoid wasting existing inventories;
accommodate establishment of supply chains for new products; and
enable training of personnel in appropriate work practices.
Agencies may use germicidals, disinfectants, and antimicrobial products to control the spread of disease or infection or in areas where required by law.
Local governments are encouraged to use environmentally preferred cleaning products.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This implements within existing resources a way to reduce environmental health impacts from cleaning products in schools and agencies. It will help to protect children and custodians and eliminate the impacts. Implementation of similar regulations in other states have shown savings and decreases in costs. This will also create jobs. There are concerns with the environmental consequences if this bill is not passed. Green cleaning product pricing is equivalent or less than comparable products. Toxic ingredients are contained in many household products.
CON: This is a mandate on smaller school districts to use these types of products; another unfunded mandate. School districts should be treated the same as local governments and be encouraged to use these products. It is fine if the state wants to go forward with this but it should not be a mandate for schools.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Chase, prime sponsor; K. Seiler, Ecology; Nancy Napolilli, DOH; Cheral Jones, GA; Amber Bui, Earth Friendly Products; Barry Firth, Biokleen; Patrick Nicholson, WEA, Central Kitsap ESP; Shawn Hoey, Washington State University.
CON: Charlie Brown, Puget Sound School Coalition.