S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2006

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO USE

ENVIRONMENTALLY-SAFE AND HEALTH-FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS IN

STATE FACILITIES AND WORKPLACES

(Establish minimum accessibility standards regarding fragrance-free, less-toxic and low volatile organic compound cleaning product, pest control, and indoor air and environmental quality policies)

{LC2072/1/A}

Introduced By: Senators Perry, Goodwin, Paiva-Weed, Gallo, and Alves

Date Introduced: February 09, 2006

Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

02/09/2006 Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services

03/01/2006 Scheduled for hearing

03/01/2006 Continued

03/08/2006 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

03/08/2006 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

05/17/2006 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

05/17/2006 Committee recommends passage of Sub A

05/18/2006 Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

05/23/2006 Senate passed Sub A

WHEREAS, It is a priority of this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to protect the environment and the health and safety of workers and citizens of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining sanitary conditions in State facilities; and

WHEREAS, Chemicals contained in certain cleaning products can be released into the 6

environment during normal use; and

WHEREAS, Utilizing less hazardous cleaning products in our State facilities and workplaces, and implementing measures to reduce exposure to those products, can minimize harmful impacts to office and custodial workers, as well as improve air quality and reduce water pollution; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Department of Administration is encouraged to use environmentally-safe and health-friendly cleaning products in state facilities and workplaces; and be it further

RESOLVED, That all State departments and authorities with purchasing responsibility shall procure and use cleaning products having properties that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment, consistent with maintaining the effectiveness of these products for the protection of the public health and safety; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Administration, in consultation with the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Management, shall establish guidelines or regulations to provide guidance to covered State entities in connection with the implementation of this Resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Administration shall provide the Governor and the General Assembly with a report assessing the effectiveness of and compliance with this Resolution within one year of the effective date of this Resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That municipal governments and school districts are hereby encouraged to review their purchasing and use of cleaning products and are urged to comply with the provisions of this Resolution where deemed appropriate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That wherever feasible, State entities shall transition to environmentally- safe and health-friendly cleaning products as soon as possible in a manner that avoids wasting of existing inventories, accommodates establishment of supply chains for new products, enables the training of personnel in appropriate work practices, and allows the phase-out of products and practices inconsistent with this Resolution. Additionally, new purchasing contracts for the purchase of such products or cleaning services should include an appropriate requirement consistent with this resolution and the guidelines provided by the Department of Administration; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Department of Administration.

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LC02072/SUB A

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