Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Innovation, Technology & Economic Development Committee |
HB 1665
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 Description: Encouraging economic development by identifying ways to grow Washington's manufacturing sector through evaluating the opportunities and barriers of repurposing domestic waste stream materials.
Sponsors: Representatives Smith, Morris, Doglio, Ormsby and Hudgins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/19
Staff: Kyle Raymond (786-7190).
Background:
The Department of Commerce (Department) is responsible for growing and improving jobs, as well as facilitating innovation in the state. The Department provides business assistance and economic development services primarily through sector-based and cluster-based regional organizations to: (1) generate greater local capacity to respond to economic growth and environmental challenges; (2) promote partnerships and the use of intermediaries to achieve the Department's goals; and (3) leverage state resources.
The Department is responsible for promoting community and economic development statewide by: (1) assisting communities to increase economic vitality and the quality of citizens' lives, and (2) assisting the state's businesses to maintain and increase economic competitiveness while maintaining a healthy environment. The Department's community and economic development efforts include:
increasing economic opportunity;
managing growth through local planning;
promoting and providing affordable housing and housing-related services;
providing public infrastructure;
engaging in business and trade development;
assisting firms and industrial sectors to increase competitiveness;
fostering the development of minority and women-owned businesses;
facilitating technology development, transfer, and diffusion;
providing community services and advocacy for low-income persons; and
public safety efforts.
Summary of Bill:
The Department of Commerce (Department) must complete an economic analysis of recyclable material and solid waste processing, export, and disposal in Washington. The analysis must include:
an overview of existing types of recycling business practices that involve processing materials into saleable products;
an evaluation of opportunities and barriers to increasing state and regional: (1) reuse of materials; and (2) manufacturing using recyclable materials; and
the implications of relevant global and regional recycling market changes on businesses collecting and processing recyclable materials.
The Department's analysis must not result in the publication or disclosure of confidential or proprietary business information.
The Department must submit a report to the Legislature by September 1, 2020, and the report must be accompanied by Department recommendations that identify the: (1) recyclable materials with the greatest economic value to recycling programs that have market viability; and (2) economic opportunities and challenges of reusing Washington consumers' and businesses' waste as a raw material for manufacturing.
The Department must complete the report's analysis and recommendations in consultation with stakeholders that include:
the Utilities and Transportation Commission;
the Department of Ecology;
city and county local governments,
a material recovery facility operator;
packaging, recycling, and solid waste industry representatives; and
an environmental organization.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.