Climate Update for WA Legislative Session

Climate wins still possible in WA LegislatureWith less than three weeks remaining in Washington’s legislative session this year, lawmakers are continuing to consider a number of bills promoting clean energy and protecting our climate. Opponents of climate action, however, have defeated a number of other proposals. Here’s a brief rundown of where things stand (want all the sausage-making details? Read our complete update on Climate Solutions’ website).

First, these bills are still alive: 

• Clean Fuel Standard: The most meaningful and significant climate policy the legislature is considering also provides a significant contribution to air quality and public health. That’s why it’s supported by a range of healthcare advocates—including the American Lung Association, the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington State Nurses Association, the Washington Academy of Family Physicians, and others—along with a range of environmental, business, local government and other stakeholders. The House approved the measure with 52 votes in favor, and the Senate is currently considering it. Contact your state senator now and make sure they champion passage of clean fuels this year!
• Clean Air Act regulatory authority: The House and Senate are currently considering legislation that would give Washington’s Department of Ecology the authority to hold fossil fuel producers and sellers like BP, Shell, Puget Sound Energy, and others accountable for their pollution.
• Preventing gas pipeline leakage: The Department of Ecology estimates that gas pipelines leak a whopping 850,000 tons of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. This bill would require greater disclosure of these leaks, and make it easier to conduct repair. Most gas companies in the state actually now support the bill, which the House passed and is now under consideration in the Senate.
• Limiting climate pollution: Washington’s current targets for carbon reduction were already out of date when they were approved in 2008. New targets would reflect current science, calling for our state to reduce pollution by 95% by 2050 while achieving net-zero emissions at the same time. This bill was passed by the House and is under consideration in the Senate.

The Legislature unfortunately did not pass these other important solutions this year:

• Home heating electrification: Privately-owned electric utilities in Washington currently provide incentives to all of their customers to purchase new, efficient electric heating appliances like heat pumps and water heaters, regardless of their current heat source. That helps households reduce both energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions, while also protecting their health by improving the indoor air quality in their homes. It’s a no-brainer—public utilities ought to be able to provide the same incentives to all customers, rather than just those that rely only on electricity. However, lobbyists for Puget Sound Energy, Cascade Natural Gas, Avista, and NW Natural saw a threat to their business and went all out to kill this bill.
• Transportation for All metrics: For years Washington has severely underinvested in preservation and maintenance of existing road infrastructure, while also short-shrifting comprehensive transportation and mobility approaches including transit and non-motorized infrastructure. This legislation would restore impartial evaluation to proposed projects to help inform legislative deliberations. While it didn’t make it through this year, Climate Solutions and partners remain committed to advocating for a balanced, climate-smart, and progressive transportation funding package next year.

There’s not much time left in this session, but there’s still time for you to raise your voice for our climate! Call your senator and demand action—use the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. Tell them that they must pass Clean Fuels and the Clean Air Act authority expansion, along with the climate limits bill and gas pipeline leak prevention. The climate crisis is urgent, and our legislators should keep working until they adopt major climate legislation this year.

Vlad Gutman-Britten
Washington Director
Climate Solutions