In 2008, Washington enacted legislation (RCW 70.235) that set a series of limits on the emission of greenhouse gases within the state: quote: By 2020, reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases in the state to 1990 levels; By 2035, reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases in the state to … [Read more...]
Zero Emissions Bill 5811 passes Senate and House, signed by Governor
On January 15, the Washington State Senate passed the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Bill 5811 and sent it to the House, where it passed on March 4. It has been signed by the governor. SB 5811 authorizes the Department of Ecology (DOE) to adopt California zero emission vehicle program regulations. … [Read more...]
HB 2311, Emissions Limit Bill, Signed by Governor
For Background: In 2008, Washington enacted legislation (RCW 70.235) that set a series of limits on the emission of greenhouse gases within the state: quote: By 2020, reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases in the state to 1990 levels; By 2035, reduce overall emissions of greenhouse … [Read more...]
Solutionary Rail “Bite” to Share with Policymakers
Rail Bite #5 - SR will cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions Our Solutionary Rail Team has compiled Rail Bite 5 on "Solutionary Rail as a solution to Greenhouse Gas Emissions." Rail Bites are easy to digest morsels of info for busy policymakers, educating them on different aspects of electrified freight … [Read more...]
Climate Strike: 2,500 Events in over 163 Countries
The climate strikes of September 20, 2019 involved millions of people all over the world: at least 900 strikes in the U.S. and more than a dozen in Washington State. In Seattle, the largest strike in Washington involved more than 5000, including 2000 from Amazon who converged with those coming from … [Read more...]
Sierra Club Organizes Actions on Green New Deal
The Sierra Club, in conjunction with the youth group Sunrise Movement, has organized national action on the Green New Deal, which has also been endorsed by the UUA (see below). Sierra Club leaders are hosting debate watching parties, where people interested in pressuring the Democratic National … [Read more...]
UUMFE Organizes UUs for Green New Deal
After the UUA General Assembly passed an Action of Immediate Witness endorsing the Green New Deal (see below), the UU Ministry for Earth (UUMFE) began actions to work for passage of the Green New Deal. The UUMFE has organized climate activists by state and region and appointed coordinators for each. … [Read more...]
UUA Endorses Green New Deal
Starting with the premise “the Green New Deal manifests key UU values — both “the interdependent web” and “justice, equity, and compassion”— the UUA passed an Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) on June 22, 2019 at the General Assembly in Spokane, Washington. Among the actions that UUA … [Read more...]
2019 Preliminary Summary of Legislation Passed by the Washington State Legislature
Pretty impressive document. Issued by the Office of Program Research Washington House of Representatives and published on April 29, 2019. Read more here . . . … [Read more...]
Climate Bills Signed by Governor Inslee May 7
Governor James Inslee signed all of the following climate bills May 7: ESSB 5116, the Clean Energy bill, would set deadlines for reduction of fossil fuel use in electric generation: phasing out coal by 2025, making generation carbon neutral by 2030 and use of renewable energy only by 2045. HB … [Read more...]
Legislature passes Appliance Efficiency Bill HB 1444
The House and Senate have passed HB 1444, which sets Appliance Efficiency Standards. This bill adopts a series of new standards for both water and energy efficiency for various household appliances and fixtures. This will result in major reductions in energy and water use over time. Within … [Read more...]
House and Senate Pass HB 1257, Buildings Efficiency
The House and the Senate passed HB 1257, a smorgasbord of building efficiency provisions that require buildings in Washington state to meet increasing building efficiency standards, provide chargers for electric cars, and encourage utilities to offer renewable natural gas to customers. Building … [Read more...]
House and Senate pass Oil Spill Bill ESHB 1578
The House and Senate have passed ESHB 1578 and it was signed by Governor Inslee. This bill specifies permit requirements for oil tankers, requires tug escorts, assesses threats of oil tankers to Orcas and other wildlife in straits. It passed the House 70-28 and the Senate by 32-13. … [Read more...]
House and Senate pass ESHB 1112, Hydrofluorocarbons
ESHB 1112 passed the House and Senate and it was signed by Governor Inslee. The bill would phase out use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) over the next five years, as follows: January 1, 2020, for propellants, foam blowing agents such as polyurethane or spray foam, and supermarket systems, … [Read more...]
House and Senate pass ESSB 5116, Clean Energy Bill
The Senate and House have passed ESSB 5116, the Clean Energy bill. It was signed by Governor Inslee. It would set deadlines for reduction of fossil fuel use in electric generation: phasing out coal by 2025, making generation carbon neutral by 2030 and use of renewable energy only by 2045. The … [Read more...]
The bill on electrification of transportation, HB 1512, becomes law
Both the House and the Senate have passed HB 1512 that would incentivize utilities’ installation of electric vehicle infrastructure. (Note: EV infrastructure consists primarily of chargers, which would extend the range of EVs and make them more feasible for longer trips). On March 12, the bill … [Read more...]