FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/16/2013
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Mike O’Brien
Councilmembers Godden and O’Brien
release statement on white pages directories ruling
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission removes phone book mailing requirement
Seattle — The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) today issued new rules regulating to the distribution of white pages telephone directories in Washington.
The UTC removed the requirement that white pages publishers deliver directories to every resident in the state. White pages publishers must ensure its directory is accessible online and deliver a physical copy to anyone who requests it. In situations where publishers continue to distribute the directories to entire communities–for example in rural communities more reliant on white pages directories–the publishers must create and advertise an opt-out system for customers who do not wish to receive a book.
Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee, and Councilmember Mike O’Brien, Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, issued the following joint statement today in response to the new rules.
"We applaud the Utilities and Transportation Commission for their decision and think it is a great step in our waste reduction efforts. This new ruling allows the publishers to deliver directories only to people who wish to receive them. By keeping unnecessary waste out of our landfills and recycling centers we save money and help the environment. By eliminating the delivery requirement we free up more space on our roads and burn less fossil fuels. The UTC estimates that this decision could lead to a reduction of 300 tons of paper statewide, including 150 tons saved in Seattle alone, and prevention of 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions."