April 4th Hot List - State Senate
This is the Legislative Hot List for the State Senate. It outlines the environmental community's positions on important environmental Senate bills and budget provisions for the week of April 4, 2011.
POSSIBLE SENATE FLOOR ACTION
ESHB 1071: Creating a complete streets grant program.
POSITION: SUPPORT
- This legislation would position Washington strongly to compete for future federal funds designated for Complete Streets. More than 100 agencies nationwide have implemented Complete Streets policies, including 16 states and six municipalities in Washington.
- Rather than applying a cookie cutter design to every corridor, planners work with communities to develop project that are appropriate for various functions of the roadway. The result is a streetscape that is safer and more accessible for all users that promotes livable communities.
SHB 1700: Modifying the requirements related to designing various transportation projects.
POSITION: SUPPORT
- This bill simply allows flexibility for cities, counties and developers to use updated guidelines for designing for bike and pedestrian uses.
- This bill will improve public safety, protect our environment, and promote healthy communities.
EHB 1702: Establishing a process for the payment of impact fees through provisions stipulated in recorded covenants.
POSITION: OPPOSE
- Makes the impact fee process more expensive and less certain.
- We are joined in opposition to this bill by the cities, fire chiefs, and schools districts.
ESHB 1721: Preventing storm water pollution from coal tar sealants.
POSITION: SUPPORT
- This bill is a meaningful step forward to prevent stormwater pollution at no cost to the state. By stopping the use of coal tar sealcoating on our playgrounds and parking lots, we can eliminate a source of toxins in our water and in our homes.
- Because it is so toxic, Lowes and Home Depot have already removed coal tar sealants from their shelves, and WSDOT stopped using the substance. Cost-effective alternatives are available and already widely used in the state, so there is no Washington-based business opposition to this bill.
SENATE COMMITTEE ACTION
SB 5862: Regarding the administration of natural resources programs.
Natural Resources & Marine Waters: Possible Executive Session
POSITION: OPPOSE
- This bill raises fees but trades away environmental protection, a significant net loss for streams and fish.
- The bill requires understaffed agencies to take on major new administrative work “integrating” two sets of rules; WDFW loses its authority to ensure fish protection when major work is done in forest streams; and longer logging permits jeopardize timely, science-based improvements to logging practices on-the-ground.
