Environment

signed · Washington · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 2199: Reducing impacts from derelict vessels.

This bill gives Washington state agencies and local governments authority to remove abandoned or hazardous vessels (like those sunk, obstructing waterways, or endangering property) after a 7-day notice period. It directly affects vessel owners who leave boats unattended and local entities managing aquatic lands. Key provisions require authorities to prioritize environmentally sound disposal, sell vessels at auction if possible, and use sale proceeds first to cover removal costs, environmental damages, and administrative fees before addressing liens. The law also establishes clear procedures for owners to contest removal decisions or costs through hearings.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrioritizes environmentally sound disposal of derelict vessels, preventing waterway pollution and ecological harm from abandoned boats.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Washington · House May 20, 2025

HB 2077: Establishing a tax on certain business activities related to surpluses generated under the zero-emission vehicle program.

House Bill 2077 establishes a new tax on certain vehicle manufacturers. This tax applies to profits generated from surplus zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) credits, which are earned when a manufacturer exceeds the state's ZEV sales requirements. The bill requires the Department of Ecology to share manufacturers' ZEV credit activity with the Department of Revenue, and manufacturers must report the prices of ZEV credit transactions. The collected tax revenue is intended to be reinvested into programs that further promote cleaner vehicles.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new tax on ZEV credit profits, with revenue reinvested into programs, aligning with funding public initiatives per topic indicators.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyTax on ZEV credit surpluses funds clean energy programs, advancing renewable energy infrastructure per bill's reinvestment intent.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentTax on ZEV credit profits reduces manufacturer incentive to exceed ZEV requirements, weakening program effectiveness despite revenue reinvestment into environmental programs.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill taxes ZEV credit profits and reinvests revenue to promote zero-emission vehicles, a sustainable transportation initiative.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Washington · Senate May 20, 2025

SB 5194: Concerning state general obligation bonds and related accounts.

SB 5194 authorizes the state of Washington to issue nearly $4.7 billion in general obligation bonds. These bonds will finance various state capital projects outlined in the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia and future biennia. The proceeds are deposited into state building construction accounts and then transferred to specific accounts, including those for outdoor recreation, habitat conservation, farm and forest preservation, and early learning facilities. The state pledges its full faith and credit for repayment, using general state revenues to cover the principal and interest on these bonds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes $4.7B in bonds to fund capital projects including recreation, conservation, and education facilities, advancing state budget priorities through targeted appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds early learning facilities, a direct educational infrastructure investment under bond proceeds for state capital projects.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds habitat conservation, farm/forest preservation, and outdoor recreation accounts from bond proceeds, directly advancing environmental protection priorities.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Washington · Senate May 17, 2025

SB 5033: Concerning sampling or testing of biosolids for PFAS chemicals.

Senate Bill 5033 establishes requirements for sampling and testing biosolids for PFAS chemicals in Washington state. It directs the Department of Ecology to issue guidance on PFAS sampling for facilities that generate biosolids by July 2026. These facilities will then be required to conduct quarterly PFAS chemical testing of their biosolids from January 2027 to June 2028, submitting the results to the department. Septic tank sludge is excluded from these specific sampling requirements. Based on the collected data, the Department of Ecology must report to the legislature by July 2029 with a summary of PFAS levels and recommendations for future actions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates PFAS testing in biosolids to monitor and reduce environmental pollution from harmful chemicals, strengthening regulatory oversight of contaminants.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Washington · House May 17, 2025

HB 1670: Increasing transparency regarding sewage-containing spills.

HB 1670 increases public transparency regarding sewage spills in Washington state, directly affecting the Department of Ecology, wastewater operators, and the public who rely on clean water. By July 1, 2026, it mandates the Department of Ecology to create a public-facing website. This website will display notices of reported sewage spills, including details such as the estimated volume, treatment level, location, and the date and time of the incident. The Department must update the site with final spill information and design it to be accessible for people with limited English proficiency.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates public transparency on sewage spills (pollution), enhancing accountability for environmental protection. Directly addresses pollution control via Department of Ecology oversight.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Washington · House May 17, 2025

HB 1975: Amending the climate commitment act by adjusting auction price containment mechanisms and ceiling prices, addressing the department of ecology's authority to amend rules to facilitate linkage with other jurisdictions, and providing for market dynamic analysis.

HB 1975 amends Washington's Climate Commitment Act, primarily affecting the Department of Ecology and businesses covered by the act. The bill requires the Department of Ecology to conduct ongoing analysis of compliance instrument markets, including prices and supply/demand trends. It adjusts the percentage of allowances placed into the "allowance price containment reserve" for 2027-2040 to between two and five percent. The bill also directs the department to make all future reserve allowances available in the second compliance period to help manage prices before linking with other carbon markets. Additionally, it clarifies the department's authority and requirement to synchronize Washington's compliance periods if linking with other jurisdictions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAmends Climate Commitment Act to maintain market stability for emissions pricing, supporting renewable energy transition through adjusted allowance mechanisms and ongoing market analysis.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAmends Climate Commitment Act to maintain market stability for emissions reductions, strengthening regulatory mechanisms through price containment adjustments and market analysis requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Washington · House May 17, 2025

HB 1990: Authorizing utility companies to securitize certain costs related to disasters or emergencies to lower costs to customers.

House Bill 1990 authorizes electrical, gas, and water companies in Washington state to use a special financing method called securitization for certain costs. This method allows companies to issue "rate recovery bonds" to cover expenses incurred from declared disasters or emergencies, such as severe weather or pandemics, and for specific energy or water conservation measures. The aim is to potentially lower overall costs for utility customers by spreading these large, unexpected expenses over a longer period. The state's Utilities and Transportation Commission must approve this financing through a "financing order" before it can be implemented.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly authorizes securitization for 'specific energy or water conservation measures,' aligning with environmental conservation goals and promoting resource conservation efforts.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Washington · House May 13, 2025

HB 1018: Adding fusion energy to facilities that may obtain site certification for the purposes of chapter 80.50 RCW.

HB 1018 expands Washington state's energy facility site certification process to include fusion energy facilities. This means that proposed fusion energy projects will now be eligible for review and approval by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). The bill integrates fusion energy into the existing framework for siting major energy infrastructure, aiming to streamline the application process for such facilities. This policy change aligns with the state's goals to develop clean energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyIntegrates fusion energy into siting process, advancing clean energy infrastructure development per state's clean energy goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIntegrates fusion energy (clean, low-emission) into site certification process, advancing clean energy infrastructure per state environmental goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Washington · Senate May 13, 2025

SB 5445: Encouraging utility investment in local energy resilience.

SB 5445 encourages utility investment in local energy resilience throughout Washington State. The bill defines specific "distributed energy priorities," including solar energy on landfills or existing structures, agrivoltaic facilities, and small-scale wind energy. It provides greater incentives for electric utilities under the Energy Independence Act when they invest in these designated priority projects. The legislation also streamlines the development of certain small-scale solar energy generation projects by exempting them from some environmental review requirements. This aims to promote the development of decentralized energy sources, affecting utilities, clean energy developers, and local communities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides incentives for solar/wind projects and defines renewable priorities under Energy Independence Act, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes renewable energy investment (solar, wind) through incentives, directly advancing clean energy adoption and environmental protection per bill's focus on distributed energy priorities.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Washington · House May 13, 2025

HB 1514: Encouraging the deployment of low carbon thermal energy networks.

HB 1514, titled "Encouraging the deployment of low carbon thermal energy networks," amends state law to explicitly allow existing electrical and gas companies to own, operate, or manage thermal energy networks within Washington state. The bill expands the definitions of "electrical company" and "gas company" in RCW 80.04.010 to include this authority. This change aims to encourage the deployment of low-carbon heating and cooling infrastructure by enabling utility companies to develop and provide these services. This legislation became Chapter 263, 2025 Laws, and will be effective on July 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly enables utility companies to deploy low-carbon thermal networks, promoting clean energy infrastructure development per its title and summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly promotes low-carbon thermal energy networks, enabling utilities to develop clean heating/cooling infrastructure to reduce emissions and advance climate goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment