Jan. 24th Hot List - State Senate

Clean Water Jobs Act of 2011: PLEASE CO-SPONSOR

• This bill, sponsored by Senator Sharon Nelson, will put Washington back to work. A pollution fee imposed upon toxic stormwater contaminants will raise significant new revenue to fund local infrastructure projects, creating thousands of well-paying jobs across the state.
• Toxic runoff from our roads and parking lots is the number one water quality problem in the state. A priority for local governments, labor and environmentalists, this polluter-pays bill will generate millions of dollars to help rebuild local economies and clean up polluted waterways from Puget Sound to the Spokane River.

SENATE COMMITTEE ACTION

SB 5194: Limiting the use of fertilizer containing phosphorus. (a.k.a Clean Fertilizers, Healthier Lakes and Rivers)

Environment, Water and Energy: Public Hearing
POSITION: SUPPORT

• Phosphorous from residential lawn fertilizers is a major water quality pollutant that, if not managed, could require local governments to spend millions on wastewater treatment plant upgrades.
• This bill manages the sale of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus.

SB 5230: Establishing the Puget Sound corps.

Natural Resources and Marine Waters: Public Hearing

POSITION: SUPPORT

• Establishes the Puget Sound corps as a program within the Washington conservation corps, and improves the administration of the conservation corps program.
• This bill will increase opportunities for meaningful work experiences, promote public-private partnerships, and promote restoration of natural resources in the Puget Sound region.
  
  

SB 5339: Incorporating environmental review into certain proceedings involving gas and electrical companies.

Environment, Water and Energy: Possible Executive Session
POSITION: SUPPORT

• This bill adds environmental benefits and costs to the factors that the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) must consider in proceedings involving electric and gas utilities, including resource acquisitions. The legislation adds the Counsel for the Environment to the Attorney General's obligation to represent public interests.
• The bill will help ensure that state environmental policies adopted by the Legislature apply to UTC actions.
  
  

S-0476.5 (Bill Number not available): Concerning Oil Spills.

Natural Resources and Marine Waters: Public Hearing
POSITION: SUPPORT

• This bill is designed to ensure that the state is well prepared for a major oil spill. Requires oil companies to invest in state-of-art spill response equipment.
• Provides training and equipment for commercial fishermen so that they can help respond in the event of a spill.