Feb. 14th Hot List - State Senate

POSSIBLE SENATE FLOOR ACTION

SB 5575: Recognizing certain biomass energy facilities as an eligible renewable resource.

POSITION: OPPOSE

• Unfortunately and unexpectedly, a bill to erode I-937, the Clean Energy Initiative, appears to be moving through the Senate.
• This bill amends the definition of renewable resources in I-937 to include almost 120 MW of biomass plants operating in Washington before 1999 and black liquor. Such changes to the law erode the purpose of I-937 to support new clean energy investment.
•  I-937 already allows existing eligible resources, including biomass, from 1999 forward to qualify. The voters approved - and a clean energy economy requires - development of new renewable energy. Yet this bill would allow 30-year old facilities to qualify. The more existing resources are included as eligible resources the fewer new developments, new jobs and new economic activity the clean energy initiative will encourage.

SENATE COMMITTEE ACTION

SB 5110: Concerning carpet stewardship

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

• 145,000 tons of carpet is disposed of every year in Washington, and only 2% is recycled.
• This bill will establish a carpet stewardship program, which would require carpet manufacturers to establish and pay for a system to collect, transport and recycle old carpet.

SB 5360: Delaying or modifying certain regulatory and statutory requirements affecting cities and counties

Government Operations: Possible Executive Session
POSITION: OPPOSE

• Will derail the planned adoption of the Phase II Stormwater Permit which is critical for Puget Sound and other polluted waters across the state and weaken other laws our communities depend on, like the growth management act and shoreline management act.
• The environmental community understands and appreciates the position our local governments are in. We are asking that Sections 4, 13, 14 and 15 of the bill be removed; we're willing to compromise on the rest of the bill.

SB 5536: Regarding the management of water resources

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

• This bill generates revenue for Ecology’s Water Management Program and makes a number of needed changes to our water resource management system.
• While the bill needs some improvements, it is an important step forward to modernizing the management of our most precious resource.

SB 5657: Modifying categorical exemptions for development under the State Environmental Policy Act

Government Operations: Public Hearing
POSITION: OPPOSE

• Dramatically expands loopholes for development projects under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Will eliminate SEPA review of projects that cause significant environmental harm.

SB 5705: Concerning community redevelopment financing in apportionment districts

Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: Public Hearing & Possible Executive Session
POSITION: SUPPORT with CONCERNS

• Will help provide local governments with a new tool to fund infrastructure costs so that they can accommodate growth in a more sustainable way.
• Reflects a work in progress with the Washington Jobs Investment Coalition. The environmental community requests an amendment to ensure that a portion of the new funds will be provided directly for public benefits like conserving resource lands & open space and building affordable housing.

SB 5713: Implementing recommendations of the Ruckelshaus Center process

Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: Public Hearing & Possible Executive Session
POSITION: SUPPORT

• Implements the agreement worked out between the counties and agricultural and environmental interests after 3.5 years of negotiations at the Ruckelshaus Center. All parties are supporting an amendment to make technical fixes to the bill.
• Creates an alternative to the GMA for protecting critical areas and maintaining ag viability, by creating a voluntary stewardship program.

SB 5723: Establishing a process for addressing water quality issues associated with livestock operations

Agriculture & Rural Economic Development: Public Hearing
POSITION: OPPOSE

• Significantly undermines enforcement of livestock water quality laws.
• In conflict with recent Ruckelshaus agreement between agricultural community, local governments, and environmental groups.

SB 5730: Authorizing mileage-based automobile insurance.

Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance: Public Hearing
POSITION: SUPPORT

• This legislation eliminates existing regulatory barriers to offering mileage-based automobile insurance policies.
• This policy leads to cost savings and affordability, reduces congestion, incentivizes less driving, results in reduced air pollution, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions.

SB 5757: Protecting groundwater

Environment, Water & Energy: Public Hearing
POSITION: SUPPORT

• Provides new revenue to fund protection of groundwater resources by establishing a one-time $200 surcharge on the construction of new wells.
• Without adequate monitoring and data, the unchecked and unregulated proliferation of wells across the state jeopardizes water supplies for people and for farms.