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.

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/10/09, 96-0.

Senate Amended.

Passed Senate: 4/16/09, 47-1.

House Concurred.

Passed House: 4/20/09, 98-0.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Requires each state agency, by July 1, 2010, to implement a paper conservation and recycling program.
Requires that by December 31, 2009, state agencies must purchase 100 percent recycled content paper.
Print projects that require the use of high volume production equipment are not required to meet the 100 percent recycled content standard, but must utilize the higher recycled content that can be utilized efficiently.

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:

The bill requires each state agency, by July 1, 2010, to develop and implement a paper conservation program with a goal of at least a 30 percent reduction in current paper use, and a paper recycling program to encourage recycling of all paper products with the goal of recycling 100 percent of all copy and printing paper in all buildings with 25 employees or more.

The definition of state agency includes but is not limit to: colleges, universities, offices of elected and appointed officers, the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and administrative departments of state government.

By December 31, 2009, all state agencies must purchase 100 percent recycled content white cut sheet bond paper used in office printers and copies.

State agencies that utilize office printers and copiers that, after reasonable attempts, cannot be calibrated to utilize such paper must purchase paper at the highest recycled content that can be utilized efficiently by the copier or printer. At the time of lease renewal or at the end of the life-cycle of a printer or copier, state agencies are directed to either lease or purchase a model that will efficiently utilize 100 percent recycled content white cut sheet bond paper.

Print projects that require the use of high volume production inserters or high speed digital devices are not required to meet the 100 percent recycled content standard but must utilize the highest recycled content that can be utilized efficiently.

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.