Methow Valley Citizens Council Action Fund (MVCCAF) has been tracking state legislative bills with a focus on climate. The Washington State legislature is moving quickly through an exciting agenda addressing climate and environmental justice. We are asking you to engage with our legislators around a slate of bills that are barreling ahead – many will be having floor votes soon. We have no time to waste if we hope to have an impact. We are inspired by your commitment and activism!
BACKGROUND TO STATE CLIMATE LEGISLATION
SB 5141 S2 The Washington Heal Act
The HEAL Act, Senate Bill 5141, will focus on those most affected by pollution as Washington transitions to a green economy. To do this, the HEAL Act will define ‘environmental justice’ in state law, outline how agencies should consider community needs and environmental justice (EJ) in their work, establish a permanent EJ Council to work with these agencies and help create EJ legislation, and expand equitable community participation. The HEAL Act is essential this session as we aim to accelerate a just transition toward climate and environmental justice.
To read the bill https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5141&Initiative=false&Year=2021
To learn more about the bill: https://frontandcentered.org/heal-act/
SB 5126 The Climate Commitment Act
The Climate Commitment Act is designed to deliver emissions reduction with certainty while achieving critical co-benefits that create a more prosperous and more resilient Washington. In 2020, the Washington State legislature increased ambition for limiting Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emitted in the state to align with the best scientific guidance. The updated limits are now 45% below 1990 levels by 2030, 70% below 1990 levels by 2040, and 95% below 1990 levels by 2050. In order to meet these limits, the Legislature seeks to initiate a comprehensive program that Caps and Reduces emissions from large emitters (those with over 25,000 metric tons of GHGs per year). The program would fund investments consistent with the transition to an equitable, prosperous, and resilient net-zero emissions state by 2050.
To read the bill: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5126&Initiative=false&Year=2021
To learn more about the bill:
https://www.cleanprosperouswa.com/climate-commitment-act-sb-5126-bill-summary/
SB 5373 The Washington Strong Act
Washington STRONG authorizes a 10-year series of “green” bonds. Conservative estimates show this program unlocks about $5 billion dollars of bond capacity, plus about $11 billion in additional tax receipts over ten years, more than $16 billion for direct investment and has the potential to create more than 150,000 jobs by providing much-needed local stimulus with a focus on rural economic development and frontline communities. These recovery bonds will be financed by a per-ton price on carbon, imposed once at the time and place of the first sale or use. The proposal has been carefully constructed to minimize the impact on agricultural sectors, moderate and low-income households, and energy intensive and trade exposed businesses. Washington STRONG will generate a sustainable funding stream needed to finance a resilient recovery and transition Washington to a clean economy.
To read the bill: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5373&Initiative=false&Year=2021
To learn more about the bill: https://www.carbonwa.org
SB 5000 Hydrogen Electric Vehicles Bill
AN ACT Relating to creating a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle pilot sales and use tax exemption program.
To read the bill: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5000&Initiative=false&Year=2021
To Learn more about the bill:
SB 5159 WDFW payment/Property Tax Bill Payments in Lieu of Taxes payments are critical to local governments, schools, and local taxing districts, especially in rural Washington. This bill provides a simple fix to permanently move DFW PILT payments to the treasurer’s office. This legislation is important to ensure that small communities receive PILT, otherwise the tax burden will be placed on the private landowners in the communities.
To read the bill:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5159&Initiative=false&Year=2021
SB 5022 Zero Waste Bill
AN ACT Concerning the management of certain materials to support recycling and waste and litter reduction. A comprehensive bill addressing plastic waste.
To read the bill:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5020&Initiative=false&Year=2021
To learn more about the bill:
https://zerowastewashington.org/legislative-work/
HB 1050 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fluorinated gases.
Establishes a maximum global warming potential threshold for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in stationary air conditioning, stationary refrigeration, and ice rinks. Applies certain existing regulations addressing emissions of ozone- depleting substances to HFCs. Directs the Department of Ecology (Ecology) to establish a refrigerant management program to address refrigerant emissions from large air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Requires Ecology to provide recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2021, regarding the design of a program to address the end- of-life management and disposal of refrigerants. Establishes a state purchasing and procurement preference for recycled refrigerants. Requires consideration of HFC emissions in mandatory utility conservation activities and in codes adopted by the State Building Code Council
To read the bill:http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1050-S.pdf?q=20210227102159
SB1091 The Clean Fuel Standard Bill
This bill ensures cost-effective ways to achieve emission reductions are prioritized. It will help achieve carbon reduction goals, address health care costs and achieve healthier communities, support and incentivize more electric vehicles, expand local economies with increased production of low carbon sustainable biofuels, encourage higher efficiency refining
To read the bill: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1091&Initiative=false&Year=2021
To learn more about the bill:
HB 1287 The Clean and Just Transportation Bill
To increase preparedness for a zero emissions transportation future. This bill requires the Department of Commerce to develop and maintain publicly available information and locations of vehicle charging and refueling infrastructure. It requires utilities to plan and put in place additional building codes to support the anticipated increase in zero-emission vehicles.
To read the bill: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1287&Year=2021&Initiative=false
To learn more about the bill: https://earthministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Clean-and-Just-Transportation-One-Pager.pdf