Take Action for the Methow:

Clean Air, Climate, Forests, and Public Lands in the State Legislature

Week of March 18^th

Governor Inslee has identified a strong package of climate priorities for the upcoming legislative session: 100% Clean Energy, Clean and Efficient Buildings, Clean Fuel Standard, HFC Super-Pollutant Ban, Clean Transportation, and accompanying budget investments. With the help of Methow Valley Citizens Council, we are closely following these bills. Together, we’ll be providing periodic and timely updates on relevant bills and tips on how you can effectively engage with your legislators this session.

TWO CLIMATE ACTIONS TO TAKE THIS WEEK:

1. Email or Call Senator Brad Hawkins: (360) 786-7622; Toll-free: (800) 562-6000; hawkins@leg.wa.gov

Thank Senator Hawkins for his leadership on important bills such as SB 5322 to protect water quality, SB 5873 to support and encourage community forestry, and SB 5588 to authorize the production, distribution, and sale of renewable hydrogen – a part of the climate solution.

Let him know that there are several other important climate bills being considered in the Senate this week and that you support them and would like his support too:

E2SHB 1110     Reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation fuels

SHB 1512         Concerning the electrification of transportation.

SB 5981           Implementing a greenhouse gas emissions cap and trade program

2. Email or Call Representatives:

Mike Steele (360) 786-7832,  mike.steele@leg.wa.gov

Representative Keith Goehner (360) 386-7954, email: keith.goehner@leg.wa.gov

Thank Representative Steele, for being a lead sponsor on HB 1512, the electrification of transportation. Urge both Steele and Hawkins to also support the following bills that address climate change and are being considered in the House this week. Let them know that we cannot rely on the market alone to provide solutions to the climate crisis. We have an urgent need to make viable solutions to our pollution problem more accessible. The people of Washington must lead the way, and businesses will follow.:

E2SSB 5116     Supporting Washington’s clean energy economy and transitioning to a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future.

2SHB 1257       Concerning energy efficiency.

ESSB 5323       Reducing pollution from plastic bags by establishing minimum state standards for the use of bags at retail establishments.

E2SSB 5397     Concerning the responsible management of plastic packaging.

SSB 5588         Authorizing the production, distribution, and sale of renewable hydrogen.