WHEREAS, the organic nutrient phosphorus is often found in excessive quantities in U.S. rivers, lakes and streams and is commonly found in U.S. soils, groundwater and waste treatment facilities; and
 
WHEREAS, phosphorus is commonly found in dishwashing detergent products used throughout the United States; and
 
WHEREAS, the byproduct is discharged from U.S. kitchens into the groundwater, eventually leading to surface waters, or discharged directly into community waste treatment facilities; and      
 
WHEREAS, an overabundance of phosphorus stimulates the growth of excess weeds and algae, reducing the oxygen supply for marine mammals, decreasing the health and biodiversity of aquatic life, diminishing the recreational value of waterways, and impacting the taste and quality of drinking water; and     
 
WHEREAS, removing phosphorus at waste treatment facilities is an energy intensive process that imposes significant costs upon the residents and taxpayers of U.S. communities; and
 
WHEREAS, reducing the amount of phosphorus flowing into surface waters and seeping into groundwater is the most cost effective way to prevent the pollution caused by excessive quantities of phosphorus; and
 
WHEREAS, state and local governments throughout the United States, with bipartisan leadership and with the support of the detergent industry, are adopting measures to reduce phosphorus content in household dishwashing detergents to 0.5 percent by July 1, 2010; and
 
WHEREAS, reducing phosphorus from dishwashing detergent is a cost effective way to decrease nutrient inputs at sewage treatment facilities which ultimately impact water quality in our rivers, lakes and streams; and
 
WHEREAS, waterways represent the lifeblood of the U.S. environment, enhancing the beauty of the country, strengthening the economy and connecting communities;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the lieutenant governors of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) shall:
 
A.    Encourage federal, state, and local governments to enact or enforce policies and programs to reduce phosphorus content to 0.5 percent by weight in all household dishwashing detergents by July 1, 2010; and
 
B.    Encourage federal, state, and local governments to launch education campaigns to better inform consumers of the availability of low- or no-phosphorus detergent products and the advantage of using said products; and
 
C.    Assist NLGA members who wish to educate the public about the value of reducing phosphorus content in U.S. surface and groundwater.  
 
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NLGA make all state elected officials aware of passage of the resolution through a notice in StateNews magazine, and that NLGA further post the full text of the resolution to its web page making the resolution available at all times for all NLGA members, state elected official, and other interested parties.