Limiting Detergent Phosphorus
#2322: Limiting Detergent Phosphorus (2006)
Limiting the phosphorus content in dishwashing detergent.
Supported by Sierra Club (4 points).
Signed into law.
Washington became the first state in the country to extend the current ban on phosphorus in laundry detergent to include automatic dishwashing detergent. Effective phosphorus-free dishwashing detergents are already on the market, pioneered by companies like 7th Generation.
When phosphates get into water bodies, they promote excessive algae growth, which in turn rob the water of oxygen that's vital to the survival of fish and other aquatic species. The ban takes effect statewide in 2010 so traditional manufacturers will have time to reformulate their products.
This bill originated from efforts to clean up and restore the Spokane River, where phosphates are one of the main problems. But phosphorus causes water quality problems to hundreds of water bodies across the state, including Lake Whatcom and Moses Lake. Quite simply, passing this bill is crucial to meeting water quality standards for the Spokane River. Even using the most up-to-date and expensive wastewater treatment technologies won't remove enough phosphorus to result in a clean, healthy river.
There's still more work to do in the future, including reducing phosphorus from fertilizer use, but this was big first step. It was the first year we worked the bill, and we got a major boost when the Avista Corporation, a Spokane area utility joined the effort. As one of the dischargers interested in cleaning up the Spokane River, Avista identified this as a cheap, simple way to make significant improvements to the river's water quality.
We also handed out samples of the phosphate-detergents to lawmakers and staff so they could see for themselves how well they work. Despite the bipartisan support, the bill nearly died in the House at the first cutoff, when bills need to pass their House of origin. Many bills die each year because time runs out. But on this bill, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown worked with House leadership to make sure the bill came up for a vote before cutoff.
Representative Timm Ormsby and Senator Lisa Brown for all their leadership and hard work.
Senator Jerome Delvin.
Representatives Doug Ericksen and John Serben for promoting the issue within the House Republican Caucus; and Representatives Brian Sullivan and Kelli Linville for helping work with House Democratic Leadership.
