LIMIT PHOSPORUS CONTENT OF LAUNDRY

AND DISHWASHER DETERGENTS

Senate Bill 152 (Substitute S-3)

Sponsor:  Sen. Liz Brater

Senate Bill 362 (Substitute S-3)

Sponsor:  Sen. Patricia L. Birkholz

House Committee:  Great Lakes and Environment

Senate Committee:  Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

Complete to 12-9-08

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILLS 152 & 362 AS REPORTED FROM HOUSE COMMITTEE ON 5-21-08

The bills would amend Part 39 (Cleaning Agents) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to prohibit the sale or distribution of cleaning agents intended for use in household dishwashers (Senate Bill 152) or household clothes washers (Senate Bill 362)  containing more than 0.5 percent phosphorus by weight. The phosphorus limit for dishwasher detergent would not take effect until July 1, 2010.

Tie-bars.  The bills are tie-barred to one another, meaning that unless both are enacted, neither will take effect.

MCL 324.3902

FISCAL IMPACT:

            These bills would not have any fiscal impact on the state or local governmental units. 

POSITIONS:

            The Department of Environmental Quality indicated support for the bills.  (5-21-08)

            Ecolab indicated support for the bills.  (5-21-08)

            The Michigan Environmental Council indicated support for the bills.  (5-21-08)

            The Michigan Townships Association indicated support for the bills.  (5-21-08)

            The Michigan United Conservation Clubs indicated support for the bills.  (5-21-08)

            Procter and Gamble indicated support for the bills.  (5-21-08)

The Soap and Detergent Association indicated support for the bills.  (5-21-08)

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Shannan Kane

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kirk Lindquist

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.