Codey Signs Green Cleaning Executive Order

Requires State Agencies to Use Environmentally-friendly Cleaning Products

TRENTON -- Governor Richard J. Codey today signed an executive order that directs all state agencies to purchase environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

“Today we can breathe easier knowing our workplaces will be safer and our environment will be cleaner,” said Codey. “These safer, more environmentally-friendly products are available, affordable and effective so it makes sense to switch.”

This order directs state agencies to eliminate to the greatest extent possible, all cleaning agents containing hazardous ingredients and replacing them with environmentally-friendly products as soon as possible. The timeline for implementation of this program allows for exhaustion of existing inventories. In addition, cleaning staff will be trained on practices that reduce waste of new cleaning products.

“An executive order is the first step that can have far-reaching consequences for environmental health, and it’s an excellent opportunity for other governors,” said Deirdre Imus, Founder and President of the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology at Hackensack Medical Center. “We are delighted Governor Codey is taking action now because there’s no time to waste when it comes to health.”

The order directs the departments of Treasury, Health and Senior Services and Environmental Protection to establish guidelines to implement this program. The Department of Treasury will provide the governor and the legislature with a report assessing the program within one year of the effective date of the order.

"Using these less hazardous products in our state buildings will improve air quality and protect the health of New Jersey workers and citizens, said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "I applaud Governor Codey and Dierdre Imus for taking this important step to create a safer environment for workers."

This order takes effect immediately.

The text of the executive order is as follows:

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 76

WHEREAS, it has been a priority of my Administration to protect the environment and the health and safety of workers and citizens of New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, cleaning products are necessary for maintaining sanitary conditions in State facilities; and

WHEREAS, chemicals contained in certain cleaning products can be released into the environment during normal use; and

WHEREAS, utilizing less hazardous cleaning products in our State facilities and workplaces, and implementing measures to reduce exposure to those products, can minimize harmful impacts to office and custodial workers, as well as improve air quality and reduce water and air pollution;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD J. CODEY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. All State departments, authorities and instrumentalities with purchasing responsibility shall procure and use cleaning products having properties that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment, consistent with maintaining the effectiveness of these products for the protection of the public health and safety.

2. The Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Environmental Protection, shall establish guidelines or regulations to provide guidance to covered State entities in connection with the implementation of this Order.

3. The Department of the Treasury shall provide the Governor and the Legislature with a report assessing the effectiveness of and compliance with this Order within one year of the effective date of this Order.

4. County and municipal governments and school districts that are not expressly subject to the requirements of this Order are encouraged to review their purchasing and use of cleaning products and are urged to comply with the provisions of this Order where deemed appropriate.

5. Wherever feasible, State entities covered by this Order shall transition to environmentally and health-friendly cleaning products as soon as possible in a manner that avoids wasting of existing inventories, accommodates establishment of supply chains for new products, enables the training of personnel in appropriate work practices, and allows the phase-out of products and practices inconsistent with this Order. Additionally, new purchasing contracts for the purchase of such products or cleaning services shall include an appropriate requirement consistent with this Order and the guidelines provided by the Department of the Treasury.

6. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this day of Two Thousand and Six,

and of the Independence of the United States, the Two Hundred and Thirtieth.

Richard J. Codey

Governor

Attest: Robert L. Garrenger

Senior Associate Counsel to the Governor