The bill, which aims to protect water quality through restrictions on fertilizer containing phosphorus, is virtually identical to Senate Bill 5194.
The evenhandedness of staff for the state Senate water, environment and energy committee is on full display in its report on Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB)1489, which is sitting just short of passage by the Legislature, reports The Olympian, Olympia, Wash.
The bill, which aims to protect water quality through restrictions on fertilizer containing phosphorus, is virtually identical to Senate Bill 5194 (The Olympian, Feb. 1), which caught the attention of golf course superintendents in the state.
ESHB 1489 passed the House of Representatives on February 28, was sent on to the Senate, and last Thursday was passed out of the above Senate committee, with more amendments.
As of Monday, March 21, the bill was listed on the Senate floor activity calendar, a precursor to a possible floor vote. If the bill passes the Senate, it would have to return to the House for “concurrence” on amendments before it could be considered passed by the full Legislature.
The bill, according to its opponents, lacks an educational model involving the Four Rs: “The right product, applied at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place.”
Amendments to 1489 do not include a failed proposal by Rep. Matt Shea (R-Spokane Valley) that would have exempted golf courses from the ban on applying phosphorus fertilizer, reports The Olympian.
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