LEGISLATURE INFORMATION

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To Find and Reach Your Legislator

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"Who is the stranger..that can form an adequate conception of the
primeval woods..of the glory of those columnar trunks, that for centuries
have waived in the breeze?" J. J. Audubon"

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Despite a short 60-day legislative session and a chilly revenue forecast, progress was made on all
of the environmental community’s Priorities for a Healthy Washington. A focus on climate change proved largely successful. An emphasis on creating “green jobs” and reducing the amount of miles people drive advanced state level climate policy. The other big win was on a Local Farms-Healthy Kids proposal. Modest wins were passed for Evergreen Cities and Local Solutions to Global Warming. “We had measured success with each of the four Priorities this session,” said Clifford Traisman, state lobbyist for Washington Environmental Council. “Although some fell short of the original proposal, in all cases they
create a good foundation to build for the future.” “The Governor stepped up big time to address global warming by requesting Climate Action and Green Jobs legislation on the first day of session and then pushing it forward at critical times,” added KC Golden of Climate Solutions. “This bill links strong climate
action with a real commitment to expand economic opportunity for all in the green economy. It’s a
solid foundation for implementing a comprehensive climate policy across the Western states and
provinces in 2009.” Description of Priorities Climate Action & Green Jobs (HB2815) – this big win sets
responsible limits on climate pollution, sets a path for creating a “green jobs” economy, and reduces miles traveled – a key step given ½ of our global warming pollution comes from cars and trucks.

Local Solutions to Global Warming (SB6580) – this modest win develops tools that will help local governments make land use and zoning decisions that reduce driving and meet the growing demand for green, walk able communities.

Evergreen Cities (HB2844) – this modest win helps retain and replant trees in urban areas to reduce stormwater flooding and pollution as well as increase quality of life.

Local Farms - Healthy Kids (SB6483) – this big win will make Washington a national leader in the
local food movement by getting more Washington grown produce into our schools and food banks,
thus improving children’s health and creating new and thriving markets for our farmers.

While it is not known what the 2009 Priorities will be, it is anticipated that 2009 will be a big year and the longer session will be a key time for continued work on climate change and Puget Sound protection.

Other environmental bills Passed:

Tugs: The legislature budgeted $3.65 million to fund a rescue tug stationed at Neah Bay for the first
time on a year-round contract.

Orcas: HB 2514 establishes a 300-foot zone around orca whales to protect them from vessel harassment.

Energy efficiency bills: SHB 2847 passed providing sales and use tax exemptions for low-income
weatherization materials and services.

SHB 3362 would help small businesses purchase highly energy-efficient equipment.

520 Finance Bill: HB 3096 takes important steps in the direction of tolling the SR-520 corridor,
including potential tolls on the existing bridge and potential tolling of I-90. This legislation
also directs the new 520 bridge to be built with 6 lanes: 4 designated for general traffic and the other 2
for carpooling and transit.

Broad Tolling Policy: HB1773 will help reduce traffic and pollution from the transportation
sector by creating a framework for future tolling decisions which may also create revenue for transit
alternatives.

Did not pass:

Maury Island protections: SB 6777 would have protected Maury Island from the largest strip mine
of its kind in the country.
Hanford Cleanup: the Legislature did not act on PSSB 5393 to protect our State from the impending designation of Hanford as a national radioactive mixed hazardous waste dump.
Energy Efficiency: SHB 2758 would have set efficiency standards for several products sold or installed in Washington.
HB 2426, HB 2703, HB 2901 and HB 2888, would have promoted energy-efficient lighting and retrofitting in public buildings.

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Washington Legislative Hotline (1-800-562-6000) To contact your legislators, Call the Washington Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000.

Or write to:

Your Representative’s Name Washington State House Of Representatives P.O. Box 40600 Olympia, WA 98504-0600

Your Senator’s Name Washington State Senate Olympia, WA 98504

Or E-mail to:

The first eight letters of legislator’s last name, underscore, first 2 letters of first name, followed by @leg.wa.gov
For example: Senator Phil Rockefeller’s email address would be: ("rockefel_ph@leg.wa.gov") rockefel_ph@leg.wa.gov

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Legislative Web Site: http://www1.leg.wa.gov/legislature/
This site provides information on members as well as Bills before the Legislature. You can call the Hotline to get your message through. Remember, we need as many people as possible to call and support important legislation.