Washington Business Fall 2015 | Legislative Review | Page 19

issue area reports | environment

Environment
Brandon Houskeeper: Climate Change, Energy, Chemical and Solid Waste Management and Water Quality
Michael Ennis: Air Quality, Land Use/Construction and Water Resources
Preparation often pays dividends and this was certainly the
case throughout the 2015 session with regard to environmental
issues. As you will see from the highlights of legislation covered
in this section, most of AWB’s efforts focused on a series of
main themes around climate/energy policy, land use, water
resources, toxics and water quality. While preparation didn’t
guarantee an outcome on any given piece of legislation, the
fruits of our efforts were evident across the board and measured
by the engagement of members and successful interactions
with legislators. Following are some of the noteworthy policy
discussions in which AWB was a leader, working with our
members and other key stakeholders.
In early 2014, Gov. Jay Inslee signaled he would pursue climate
policies for Washington state, including establishing a price on
carbon. Throughout the 2014 interim, AWB and our members
tracked the governor’s efforts as he developed his legislative
proposal. AWB worked closely with like-minded stakeholders to
develop key messaging, provide robust testimony and offer an
independent economic analysis of the governor’s proposal. More
than 50 people testified on AWB panels, including members Amy
Igloi Creed with Amy’s on the Bay; Rusty Bradeen with Bradeen
Trucking; Gary Ash of National Frozen Foods Corporation;
Matt Lyons of Nucor Steel Seattle, and many more. Industries
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien, is chair of the House Environment Committee.
represented in the discussion included fuel distributors, pulp and
paper, and food processors. The labor community joined in as
well with representatives from the Iron Workers, Carpenters and Teamsters unions all taking part in the discussion.
AWB and our partners employed a strategy built upon offering alternative solutions to the governor’s proposal. Those solutions
were based on five policy areas: Innovation; Transportation; Low-carbon Electricity; Energy Efficiency; and Research and Adaptation.
Many of the bills discussed and supported by AWB helped achieve the goals of these policy areas, centered on the overall goal
of reducing emissions. A complete list of these bills is available on our website.
In addition to climate and energy policy, AWB also spent a lot of time working with members on controversial issues on water
quality and toxics reduction, which saw the two separate policy debates converge into a single debate. Ultimately, no new
legislation covering either of these issues areas passed, but many members expect the debate to continue as efforts are ongoing
to find a responsible policy path forward.
Lawmakers also debated several water resource bills this session, but only a couple were adopted. Senate Bill 5628 was widely
considered the most significant water resource bill this year, but it did not pass. It would have created a parcel fee to fund
programs concerning stormwater, flooding, and water supply issues across the state. Supporters are continuing work on the bill
during the fall and may try again next year.

Bill considered as part of
AWB’s voting record

Favorable outcome for
Washington businesses

Missed Opportunities

special edition 2015

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