Developments in State Policy
New York
Citation: N.Y. Educ. Code § 409-i (2005)
Effective: Sept. 2005
Available: HERE
Summary: This law requires the state to establish guidelines for environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products to use in elementary and secondary school facilities, and schools are required to use these guidelines.
Key Provisions:
- Requirements for Using Green Cleaning Products. The law requires elementary and secondary schools to identify and procure environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products that are available in the form, function, and utility generally used in school facilities. Schools are required to follow guidelines, specifications, and sample product lists developed by the state for purchasing these products. Schools may deplete existing cleaning and maintenance supply stores.
- Guidelines and Specifications. Under the law, the commissioner of the Office of General Services (OGS), in consultation with the state environment, health and labor agencies, is required to establish and periodically amend guidelines and specifications for environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products for use in elementary and secondary school facilities. The law also requires the state to prepare and disseminate a sample list of products that meet such guidelines.
- Assistance to Schools. The state general services agency is required to provide assistance and guidance to elementary and secondary schools in carrying out the requirements of this section.
- Evaluation. The law requires the state Department of Education to issue a report analyzing the impact of its green cleaning guidelines and specifications on the purchasing, procurement and use of environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products by elementary and secondary schools.
The New York State Office of General Services has developed a website that includes a list of approved green cleaning products, green cleaning training manuals, and information on creating and implementing a comprehensive green cleaning program.
Related Legislation: On June 30, 2007, a related state finance law took effect, requiring the state Office of General Services to maintain a list of contractors that produce, manufacture, or offer for sale the environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products used by elementary and secondary schools in accordance with the state’s guidance. (See 11 N.Y. State Fin. §163(3)(b)(viii)).
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