HB 2427, creating a new Growth Management Act (GMA) climate goal, has passed the House and is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate.
The climate change goal, through planning and development regulations, is to:
- Help achieve state greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction limits;
- Adapt to the effects of a changing climate;
- Build resilient infrastructure; and
- Protect people and property from natural hazards exacerbated by the changing climate.
The climate change goal only applies to Benton, Clark, Franklin, King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, and Whatcom counties and the cities within these counties. The bill calls out the recognition that cities and counties vary significantly in their capacity to help achieve the state GHG emission limits through GMA planning.
New or amended goals under the GMA would be adopted at the same time as the next required update of county and city comprehensive plans.
Dates to remember
HB 2427 is scheduled for public hearing on Tuesday, February 25 at 8 am in the Senate Local Government Committee.