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House approves limit on phosphorus in retail automatic dishwasher detergents, effective 2010
Summary
The House passed HB 303 to cap phosphorus in retail automatic dishwasher detergents at 0.5% (effective July 1, 2010). Sponsor Christine Johnson said the change would reduce nutrient loading that fuels cyanobacterial blooms and cited industry and Department of Water Quality support; members questioned market penetration and consumer impact.
The Utah House approved House Bill 303 on the floor, a measure that would limit phosphorus in retail automatic dishwasher detergents to 0.5 percent, with an effective date set for July 1, 2010.
Representative Christine Johnson, the sponsor, said phosphorus from dishwasher detergents contributes to nutrient loading, which increases cyanobacterial growth in Utah waterways. ‘‘Phosphorus increases the growth of what we commonly call blue‑green algae — actually cyanobacteria — and it prevents oxygen from reaching normal pathways,’’ she said, citing Utah Lake as an example.
Johnson told members she circulated a product list showing that a subset of retail automatic dishwasher detergents already meet the 0.5 percent threshold. Asked on the floor whether she could estimate market impact by volume, she said her count suggested approximately 30 percent of retail products on the list met the requirement, and noted manufacturers had moved toward lower phosphorus formulations.
Members pressed for clarity on scope and timing. Representative Lockhart and others confirmed the proposal targets retail automatic dishwasher detergents only and does not apply to commercial detergents, laundry detergents or hand‑washing soaps. Johnson said the committee substitute adjusted the effective date at industry request and said national manufacturers, including Procter & Gamble, and trade groups supported the amended timeline.
Johnson also cited Department of Environmental Quality commentary that retrofitting sewage treatment to remove nutrients would be costly; she said reducing one product source is a more fiscally responsible contribution to water‑quality improvement. She estimated the measure could remove roughly 3–4 percent of the portion of phosphorus that comes from these retail detergents.
After floor discussion, the House approved HB 303 by roll call, 46 yes, 19 no and 10 absent. The bill will be forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
Next steps: the Senate will receive the bill for committee referral and any further amendment on the effective date or scope.
