When you're lobbying a complicated issue, it's hard to beat a supportive front-page story in one of the state's larger daily newspapers. The PI obliged supporters of HB 1024 today.
Here's how they frame the issue.
If approved, the new law would ban the sale and manufacture of deca-containing mattresses in Washington beginning next year. A 2005 survey by the Ecology Department found that mattress makers in the state already stopped its use. Deca can be replaced by a safer chemical called melamine or the mattress can be built with a fire-resistant barrier, such as one made of naturally fire-resistant fabrics.
The bigger fight is over a deca ban in upholstered, residential furniture and in computers and TVs. That last item is important because between 45 percent to 80 percent of the deca use is in TVs. ...
They mention us.
Opponents of the legislation -- primarily the PBDE industry and the Association of Washington Business -- object to passing a ban before the deca alternative is identified.
The Seattle Times editorial today agrees.
The bill, House Bill 1024, is full of holes, and for a good reason: The case for doing something decisive has not been made.
Of course, it's not a front page story. But it makes good sense.
