The general assembly hereby recognizes and declares that:

(1)  Whereas, excess nutrients, especially phosphorus, from municipal wastewater treatment plants, septic tanks, urban and agricultural losses may cause eutrophication resulting in algae blooms and low dissolved oxygen; and

(2)  Whereas, requiring the use of phosphate-free laundry detergents will reduce the amount of phosphorus in Rhode Island’s rivers, lakes, and estuaries at no cost to consumer or to municipalities; and

(3)  Whereas, requiring the use of phosphate-free laundry detergents will significantly reduce the amount of phosphorus that is released by municipalities at their wastewater treatment plants; and

(4)  Whereas, our neighbors the State of Connecticut and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have enacted similar legislation to address the problem of excess nutrients in their waters;

(5)  The general assembly, therefore, has declared that it is the policy of the state to reduce phosphorus pollution at its source to protect waters of the state, protect beneficial uses of the waters of the state and create a cost effective approach to wastewater treatment.