BILL REQ. #:  H-2222.2 

Read first time 02/23/09.   Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring state agencies to use one hundred percent recycled content paper; adding a new section to chapter 70.95C RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that there are economic and environmental advantages to having state agencies switch to one hundred percent recycled content paper and to reduce the amount of paper used by the state.
     The legislature intends for state agencies to use one hundred percent recycled content paper, as such paper is made locally in Washington state and will help create jobs, and that using such paper is in tune with our duty to be good stewards of the land, as it is a sustainable and renewable resource.
     Furthermore, the legislature intends for state agencies to put programs in place to recycle the paper that they do use and to set a goal of reducing overall paper use by thirty percent through conservation efforts, which will not only lessen our environmental footprint, but cut the costs to our state's taxpayers.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 70.95C RCW to read as follows:
     (1) By December 31, 2009, all state agencies shall purchase one hundred percent recycled content paper. State agencies are encouraged to give priority to purchasing from companies that produce paper in facilities that generate energy from a renewable energy source.
     (2) The office of waste reduction shall coordinate with each state agency in developing and implementing:
     (a) A paper conservation program. Each state agency shall endeavor to conserve paper by at least thirty percent of their current paper use.
     (b) A paper recycling program to help encourage recycling of all paper products.
     (3) For the purposes of this section, "state agencies" include, but are not limited to, colleges, community colleges, universities, offices of elected and appointed officers, the supreme court, court of appeals, and administrative departments of state government.