My third bill this year is HB1363 – County Board of Education – Procurement of Green Product Cleaning Supplies which was heard by the Health and Government Operations Committee. This bill requires County Boards of Education to procure green cleaning supplies for use in schools. These products must perform well and have positive environmental attributes, including: biodegradability, low toxicity; low volatile organic compound content, reduced packaging; and low life cycle energy use.
My support for this issue has built over the past three years I have served on Ways and Means. We have had several bills concerning the quality of air in schools and conditions in the temporary trailers that are being used at our schools.
Therefore, this bill seeks to address the number of chemicals used to clean our schools and also to improve the air quality within our schools. Green products have been shown to be effective cleaners. Numerous school systems have elected to go “green” and adopted a policy of purchasing green cleaning supplies. Three states, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois have enacted legislation requiring or encouraging school systems to use green cleaning supplies.
HB1363 takes a positive approach toward switching to “green” products by allowing the continued use of present supplies and acknowledging presently negotiated contracts before requiring renegotiation of changes in cleaning products.
2 responses so far ↓
Rick Pike // Apr 1st 2009 at 9:49 am
I think this is a very positive step forward. Even though these products sometimes are slightly more expensive, the positive health and environmental effects for our children, education workers, and our community are well worth it.
As more groups and governmental entities create a demand for these type products, their costs should become fully competitive with traditional (non-green) products.
One thing I hope that the State of Maryland will do, through the State Board of Education and State Health Department is to provide training to custodial workers and others on the proper use of these products, differences between green and traditional products, and why it is important we switch to them.
Peter // Apr 5th 2009 at 7:47 pm
Thank you for your comments and interest on this issue. I will be presenting this bill before the Senate on 4-8-09 and hope for a favorable vote. I hope to report good news in my end of session newsletter.
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