Environmental issues capture legislative attention

Coming into the session, climate change was identified as one of a handful of issues that legislative leaders intended to address despite the challenges of a virtual session. Although the process ultimately allowed for consideration of a wide variety of issues, the Legislature kept its commitment to take bold action on climate change.

Two pillars of that approach were legislation to limit the carbon intensity of transportation fuel and another proposal to create an economy-wide cap and price on carbon emissions. The first, HB 1091, directly tackled the largest source of carbon emissions in the state. The second, SB 5126, concluded a multi-year effort to develop a carbon pricing system in the state.

Both proposals were hotly debated and ultimately only able to pass with a condition that they would go into effect only after the passage of comprehensive transportation package, including at least a five cent per gallon gas tax increase. Governor Inslee controversially vetoed that connection, causing significant angst among many legislators who had negotiated those components and others who believe his line-item vetoes exceeded his constitutional veto authority. This development has clouded the short-term situation around the policies and it’s unclear what will happen in the coming months.

On another important front, the Legislature banned foam coolers, packing peanuts, and food service products and instituted recycled content requirements for certain bags and bottles. While not the comprehensive solid waste reform that cities have advocated for, this is clearly a step in the right direction and represents the strongest policy on plastics reform in the country.

Finally, the Legislature passed policy refinements to the state’s response to wildfire through HB 1168, with a focus on prevention and preparedness, and backed the policy up with a $125 million dollar investment.