State papers reach 97% in recycled newsprint use

Kentucky newspapers used a record 97.706 percent recycled newsprint in Calendar Year 2001, according to a Kentucky Press Association report to be filed with the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Cabinet.

The 97.706 percent surpasses the previous high of 96.54 percent in 2000 and reflects a substantial increase over 1998 and 1999. The report excludes four Kentucky newspapers printed out of state.

The report on newsprint and recycled newsprint consumption by Kentucky newspapers is required to be filed annual with the cabinet, following passage of House Bill 228 in 1994. That law required newspaper publishers to annually file the report with the cabinet but KPA has been collecting the information and filing the report each year.

The report will show that the 41 printing plants in Kentucky used 80,886.002 tons of newsprint in 2001, with 79,030.252 containing some level of recycled fiber.

Although 1999’s 92,539 tons of newsprint is the highest in the eight years, only 78,382 tons of recycled newsprint were used by Kentucky newspapers that year.

“When the legislature talked about recycling issues in 1992 and 1994, the use of recycled newsprint was a hot topic,” said KPA Executive Director David T. Thompson. “We told legislators we would do all that we could and would practice what we preach: use recycled products. I think Kentucky newspapers have held up to that promise more than anyone expected.”

On an aggregate basis for 2001, the total amount of fiber contained in the newsprint consumption, Kentucky newspapers had 40,257.291 tons for 50.939 percent. That’s the first time aggregate tonnage has achieved the 50 percent level.

“In the mid-1990s, recycled newsprint was the buzz word,” said Thompson. “The legislature was looking for all industries to use as much recycled products as possible and newsprint was part of that. We fought off attempts to mandate levels of recycled newsprint, assuring the legislature Kentucky newspapers were committed to recycled newsprint and we would file annual reports.

“The emphasis has changed in the past couple of legislative sessions,” he added. “The emphasis remains on the environment but it’s more toward roadside trash and landfill space than on using recycled products. For the last four to five years, the cabinet has not acknowledged receiving the reports and the legislature has not asked KPA to testify before any committees.”

Because of an apparent lack of interest by the state, Thompson has requested the Kentucky General Assembly repeal the provisions of House Bill 282 from 1994. “It’s obvious recycled newsprint use by Kentucky newspapers is among the highest level in any state. But it’s just as obvious the state is no longer interested in the report. A task force required under the same law has not met since 1997 and no members have been appointed to the task force in the past five years.”

Thompson has requested a meeting with Cabinet Secretary James Bickford and Rep. Jim Gooch and Sen. Ernie Harris, co-chairmen of the Interim Natural Resources Committee to discuss repealing the law.