Who hates algae blooms?
Washington state does! Gov. Chris Gregoire signed House Bill 1489, called the "Healthy Lawns, Clean Water Act," into law today, marking the successful end of freshman legslator Andy Billig's first foray into lawmaking. The law will limit phosphorous in lawn fertilizer in most instances, but will allow for it at certain times, such as when seeding a new lawn, planting a garden or for agricultural uses.
“This is a giant step forward for clean water. Other states have successfully reduced toxic algae blooms by passing similar legislation, and today Washington becomes another success story,” Billig, the prime sponsor of the bill, said in a statement today. “Phosphorus is not needed for lawns to remain healthy and green. Consumers won’t see a difference in their lawns, but their waterways will be safer and cleaner.”
