SB 920 (Yee, 2009-10) - Phone Book Opt-Out

Summary. SB 920 will help reduce waste and consumer utility costs while conserving resources and protecting the environment by making it easier for consumers to opt-out of receiving unwanted directories.

Position and Status. CAW Supports. SB 920 died on the senate floor, with a 12-18 vote. It previously passed Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee 4/20/10 and passed Senate Appropriations with 6-4 vote.

Description. Phone books have become obsolete in the age of fast internet connection and mobile phone apps. According to consumer surveys, 76% of respondents state that they ‘never’ use telephone directories. Another 20% say they rarely use them. Yet, it takes trees and energy to produce these phone books, and recycling them is a burden to local government and taxpayer dollars. SB 920 would strengthen the current opt-out requirements so that the opt-out phone number would be more prominently displayed on the phone book covers.

CAW Staff Contacts.

Tony Hackett (916) 443-5422

Support:
Californians Against Waste (sponsor)
California Resource Recovery Association
Natural Resources Defense Council  
Environment California
Planning and conservation League

Opposition: 
AT&T
California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation
California Chamber
California Communications Association
Frontier Communications
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Product Development Corporation
Valley Yellow Pages
World Color
Yellow Pages Association