End of Session Hot List

RECAP OF THE FOUR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY PRIORITIES

Climate Action & Green Jobs (HB 2815): Sets responsible limits on climate pollution, sets a path for creating a “green jobs” economy, and reduces miles traveled – a key step given ½ of our global warming pollution comes from cars and trucks.
Local Solutions to Global Warming (SB 6580): Develops tools that will help local governments make land use and zoning decisions that reduce driving and meet the growing demand for green, walkable communities.
Evergreen Cities (HB2844): Helps retain and replant trees in urban areas to reduce stormwater flooding and pollution as well as increase quality of life.
Local Farms - Healthy Kids (SB 6483): Will make Washington a national leader in the local food movement by getting more Washington grown produce into our schools and food banks, thus improving children’s health and creating new and thriving markets for our farmers.

While it is not known what the 2009 Priorities will be, it is anticipated that 2009 will be a big year for continued work on climate change and Puget Sound protection.

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL BILLS OF NOTE FROM THE 2008 SESSION

Children’s Safe Products (ESHB 2647): Will eliminate three toxic chemicals, lead, cadmium, and phthalates, from toys and other children’s products. It will also require manufacturers to report whether their products contain other chemicals found to be of a concern for children’s health
Tugs: The legislature budgeted $3.65 million to fund a rescue tug stationed at Neah Bay for the first time on a year-round contract.
Orcas (HB 2514): Establishes a 300-foot zone around orca whales to protect them from vessel harassment.
Energy efficiency bills (SHB 2847 & SHB 3362): SHB 2847 passed providing sales and use tax exemptions for low-income weatherization materials and services. SHB 3362 would help small businesses purchase highly energy-efficient equipment
520 Finance Bill (HB 3096): Takes important steps in the direction of tolling the SR-520 corridor, including potential tolls on the existing bridge and potential tolling of I-90. This legislation also directs the new 520 bridge to be built with 6 lanes: 4 designated for general traffic and the other 2 for carpooling and transit.
Broad Tolling Policy (HB 1773): Helps reduce traffic and pollution from the transportation sector by creating a framework for future tolling decisions which may also create revenue for transit alternatives.