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Rep. Lynn Kessler, serving the 24th District Serving Clallam, Jefferson, and part of Grays Harbor counties. |
Recycled paper requirement translates to jobs for Grays Harbor
Legislature approves pilot program to use 100 percent recycled office paper
April 17, 2009
OLYMPIA – A bill passed by the state Senate on Thursday evening is a win
for both jobs and the environment.
By a vote of 47-1, the Senate
approved a measure co-sponsored by Representatives Lynn Kessler and
Kevin Van De Wege.
House Bill 2287 implements a pilot program in several state agencies,
requiring them to use 100 percent recycled office paper and reduce their
consumption of paper by 30 percent.
“This is a green jobs bill, and
a way to save paper mills,” Kessler (D-Hoquiam) said. “If we’re going to
promote recycling and conservation, we should start with ourselves right
here in government.”
The agencies taking part in the pilot program
would have to switch to 100 percent recycled office paper by December 2009.
The program has built-in flexibility so that if a particular copier or
printer couldn’t handle 100 percent recycled paper, the agency could get
around the requirement until it was time to replace the machine.
Additionally, agencies must reduce paper consumption by utilizing electronic
copies and making two-sided copies of paper documents.
If the pilot
program is successful, the goal is to extend the recycled-paper requirement
to all state agencies.
The legislation is a boost for the Grays
Harbor area, which is home to Grays Harbor Paper. The Hoquiam-based pulp and
paper mill not only produces 100 percent recycled paper, but uses 100
percent renewable energy to power its plant.
“By passing this bill,
we’re keeping jobs right here in Washington,” Van De Wege (D-Sequim) said.
“Pulp and paper mill jobs are great family-wage jobs, the kind we like to
keep and attract.”
Last month, the House approved the bill
unanimously. It requires one final vote in the House to concur with a Senate
amendment – the one that added the built-in flexibility. Kessler and Van De
Wege are hoping to move the bill to the Governor’s desk quickly.
The
2009 Legislative Session is scheduled to conclude on April 26.