Seattle/King County Climate News
Robin Briggs
Seattle
Social housing Prop 1A passed with a 25% margin over the Council's counterproposal, Prop 1B. The measure is expected to raise about $50M per year that can be used to build or buy multi-family buildings for mixed-income tenants. The buildings will be either built or retrofitted to be extremely energy efficient, which will reduce emissions from them. Social housing is now also being considered at both King County and the State in order to help address the housing crisis.
The Seattle Department of Transportation announced the first set of projects to be funded from the Transportation Levy that was passed in November. Safety related projects are getting front-loaded, especially pedestrian safety projects. The Levy Oversight Committee is seeking new members, applications are due by Feb 28.
Mayor Bruce Harrell is running for re-election this year, and so far he has two challengers. Ry Armstrong, who ran for City Council in 2023 in D3 and is the Co-Executive Director of Sustainable Seattle. The priorities listed on their website include building more housing, investing in safety, respecting worker's rights and affordable childcare for all. Rachael Savage is running as a Republican, and wants to improve public safety, clean up streets, and solve problems of addiction.
Port of Seattle
The 32nd LD, the 37th LD and the state Environment and Climate Caucus have all passed resolutions calling for a full Environmental Impact Statement report for the SeaTac Airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) to expand the airport in order to fully understand the health and climate impacts of the expansion.
State
The Legislative Session is about to hit its first big deadline on Feb 21: bills that have not been approved by their policy committee by then will not proceed further. The finance committees will then have a week to consider all the bills with fiscal implications that passed the policy committees and figure out which ones can be funded. As of now, here's a snapshot of where some of the environmental bills are at, starting with the farthest along so far:
These bills have been approved by their committees and have been scheduled for a floor vote in their chamber of origin:
Reforming Parking Minimums in Zoning Codes (SB 5184). Parking mandates for construction require large chunks of land to be covered in asphalt instead of being used for more housing and more green space/trees. Reducing these requirements would decrease the cost of building new housing.
These bills have been approved by their committees and are waiting to be scheduled for a floor vote in their chamber of origin:
Home Energy Score (HB 1015). Establishes a method for making energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions labeling of existing residential buildings available to homebuyers.
Including Riders on Transit Boards (HB 1418).
Digital Right to Repair (HB 1483).
These bills are waiting on approval in the fiscal committees:
Establishing Priorities for Intercity Passenger Rail (HB 1837).
Road Usage Charge (HB 1921). Gradually phase in a flat per-mile road usage fee in place of the current gas tax.
Improving Shortline Freight Rail (SB 5063)
Safe Streets for Active Transportation (SB 5581). Strengthens requirements for complete streets and shared use paths.
Cumulative Risk Burden (CURB) Act (HB 1303). Addresses the disproportionate impact of new and existing pollution on overburdened communities.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HB 1462). Reduces hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants that are potent greenhouse gases, promoting more climate-friendly alternatives and refrigerant recovery and reuse.
Composting Bill (HB 1497). Improves the management and composting of food and yard waste to divert it from the landfill and avoid methane gas generation. It will help reduce wasted food, create cleaner compost, and provide more equitable service to multifamily residents.
Encouraging the deployment of low carbon thermal energy networks (HB 1514)
GMA Housing Element (HB 5148). Strengthens the affordable housing provisions of the Growth Management Act.
Anesthetics/greenhouse gases (HB 5236).
These bills have passed their policy committee but not yet been reassigned:
Transit-Oriented Development (HB 1491). Requires local zoning standards to allow greater density near transit across the state with some of it required to be affordable. There are different standards depending on distance from transit and type of transit. Near train stations the minimum zoning is higher and covers a greater area, but near bus rapid transit stations the minimum is lower and covers a smaller area.
Textile Producer Responsibility Act (HB 1420).
Sewage Containing Spills (HB 1670)
These bills have been scheduled for a vote in the policy committee:
Allow Direct Sales of EVs (HB 1721). Allows direct sales of EVs without going through a dealer. Currently there is an exception for Tesla, but other car companies may only sell through a dealer.
These bills have a hearing scheduled in their policy committee, but no vote scheduled yet and are in danger of being dropped:
Endorsing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (HB 4003). A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a proposed international mechanism grounded in three pillars: no new fossil fuel expansion, an equitable phase out of coal, oil, and gas to limit warming as much as possible, and a global just transition to renewable energy for all.
These bills have not been scheduled for a hearing in their policy committee and will very likely not continue:
Community Solar (HB 5515)
Elsewhere
Recent global temperature surge intensified by record-low planetary albedo, according to a new paper published in Science. The last two years have seen record high temperatures, distinctly higher than all previous years. Scientists now think they may know why: as the Earth warms there is less low-level cloud cover to reflect the heat back into space. This poses a huge danger because it may be the start of a feedback loop.Robin Briggs
Seattle
The Mayor gave his State of the City address. He announced plans to update the City's Climate Action Plan. He pledged to expedite the West Seattle/Ballard link lines by as much as one year by creating a city office of Waterfront, Civic Projects & Sound Transit, to "orchestrate up to 50 staff in supporting project design and engineering, station area planning, and more". He cited the recent terror attacks on crowds by people in cars and said that we need to move to make Pike Place Market a pedestrian area with facilities for deliveries and drop-offs for disabled people. The City will streamline the building permit process, speeding it by 50% to make it easier and cheaper to build new housing. And the Mayor will send the Fort Lawton affordable housing project to Council for approval.
State
The Legislative Session just passed its first major cutoff date, after which bills that were not passed by their policy committee in their chamber of origin may no longer proceed. Many bills have been passed, and now advance to their fiscal committee. Passing fiscal committee, always a difficult barrier, is expected to be more difficult this year because of the budget shortfall. The next deadline is Feb 28, by which bills must have passed the fiscal committee. Here's how things stand now, with some of the climate and environmental bills:
These bills have been passed by their Chamber of Origin:
Reforming Parking Minimums (SB 5184). Caps the minimum parking requirements that cities and counties can require for developers. Parking mandates for construction require large chunks of land to be covered in asphalt instead of being used for more housing and more green space/trees. This bill sets limits to how much can be required, thus reducing the cost of building new housing. This bill had the support of both parties, and passed the Senate 40-8. Washington State Senate Approves Sweeping Parking Reform Bill (The Urbanist).
These bills have been approved by their committees and have been scheduled for a floor vote in their chamber of origin:
Digital Right to Repair (HB 1483). Requires manufacturers of digital electronic products to make repair information, parts and tools available so small businesses can repair these items. Extending the life of computers, tablets and cellphones, and appliances reduces the burden on manufacturing new products – therefore also decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and mining.
These bills have been approved by their committees and are waiting to be scheduled for a floor vote in their chamber of origin:
Home Energy Score (HB 1015). This bill establishes a method for making energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions labeling of existing residential buildings available to homebuyers.
GMA Compliance (HB 1135). Over the past four years, the Growth Management Act has added new requirements for housing affordability and climate change in local comprehensive plans. This bill would close a loophole that allows cities and counties to avoid compliance with these provisions.
Including Riders on Transit Boards (HB 1418). Most transit systems in the state are overseen by a board made up of elected leaders from the cities and counties covered by a Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA). This bill would encourage those boards to include two members who are regular users of the transit system, one of whom is a representative of a community based organization. The bill would also require meetings to be held at times and places reasonably accessible by public transit, allowing both the transit riding board members and transit riding public to attend and participate.
These bills have been scheduled for a vote in their fiscal committee:
Encouraging the deployment of low carbon thermal energy networks (HB 1514). Thermal energy networks (TENs) are heating services provided by shared geothermal heat pumps, and they are a possible pathway for transitioning buildings off fossil gas while also transitioning the gas companies themselves. The UTC may allow electric companies to offer discounts to a TENs company if they offer a TEN service that is more efficient than electrical service. The UTC may also require gas companies to plan for TENs on an annual basis, and electrical companies must now plan for TENs as part of their regular planning process. And the UTC must report to the Legislature by 2027 as to whether there are interoperability standards that are ready to be adopted. The Dept. of Commerce will offer grants to local jurisdictions for TENs planning and TENs mapping. TENs companies will be regulated by the UTC, as gas and electric companies are now.
Sewage Containing Spills (HB 1670).
These bills have had a public hearing in their fiscal committee but need to be scheduled for a vote in the committee to progress:
Cumulative Risk Burden (CURB) Act (HB 1303). Addresses the disproportionate impact of new and existing pollution on overburdened communities.
Establishing Priorities for Intercity Passenger Rail (HB 1837).
Road Usage Charge (HB 1921/SB 5726). Gradually phase in a flat per-mile road usage fee in place of the current gas tax. This would apply to EVs and plug-in hybrids first as a voluntary program in place of the current flat EV car tab fee, and then become mandatory. ICE vehicles would be phased in over time, starting with higher efficiency vehicles. This may be NTIB in which case it could survive beyond the cutoff.
Improving Shortline Freight Rail (SB 5063).
GMA Housing Element (HB 5148). Strengthens the affordable housing provisions of the Growth Management Act.
Safe Streets for Active Transportation (SB 5581). Strengthens requirements for complete streets and shared use paths.
These bills have a public hearing scheduled in their fiscal committee:
Transit-Oriented Development (HB 1491). Requires local zoning standards to allow greater density near transit across the state with some of it required to be affordable. There are different standards depending on distance from transit and type of transit. Near train stations the minimum zoning is higher and covers a greater area, but near bus rapid transit stations the minimum is lower and covers a smaller area.
Monitoring PFAS in Biosolids (SB 5033). Calls for the state to measure the forever chemicals in wastewater treatment facilities that generate biosolids.
These bills need to be scheduled for a public hearing in their fiscal committees in order to progress. Given the remaining time, these are likely to not progress:
Anesthetics/greenhouse gases (HB 5236).
Washington Coal Act (HB 5236). Calls for the State to divest from coal in its pension funds.
Now we get the Roll of the Fallen. These bills failed to pass their policy committees before the cutoff, and are dead unless they get declared as NTIB (necessary to implement the budget):
Allow Direct Sales of EVs (HB 1721). Allows direct sales of EVs without going through a dealer. Currently there is an exception for Tesla, but other car companies may only sell through a dealer.
- Endorsing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (HB 4003). A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a proposed international mechanism grounded in three pillars: no new fossil fuel expansion, an equitable phase out of coal, oil, and gas to limit warming as much as possible, and a global just transition to renewable energy for all.
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Robin Briggs
Seattle
Adonis Duckworth, Eddie Lin, and Takayo Minikami Ederer have formally announced candidacies for the District 2 Council position. Adonis Duckworth is a long-time SDOT planner who is now in an interim position as transportation advisor for the Mayor. According to the Seattle Medium, he wants to address "public safety, affordability, housing, and transportation challenges." Eddie Lin is an assistant attorney in the Seattle City Attorney's Office where he works on housing programs. According to the South Seattle Emerald, he wants to make the city more affordable and "wants to address economic inequality and supports creating progressive revenue strategies, increasing the Jumpstart payroll tax, and is in favor of a local capital gains tax." Takayo Ederer runs a family business in commercial and real estate investment, teaches karate, and is a former member of the US National Karate Team. Her main priorities are public safety and homelessness, and she wants more police and more shelter beds.
And in other Seattle races, there are now 6 candidates for Mayor, including Bruce Harrell, while Rinck and Nelson are currently unopposed in their races to retain their at large city council seats.
State
The State passed another major cutoff date at the end of last week; bills that have been referred to a fiscal committee must have passed the committee or are considered dead, unless they are necessary to implement the budget. Most bills I am following passed their fiscal committee, but many underwent alteration to reduce cost. The next major cutoff is March 12, by which time bills must have been passed by their chamber of origin. Here's where things stand now for some of the climate and environmental bills:
These bills have been passed by their Chamber of Origin, and referred to a policy committee in the opposite chamber:
Reforming Parking Minimums (SB 5184). Caps the minimum parking requirements that cities and counties can require for developers. Parking mandates for construction require large chunks of land to be covered in asphalt instead of being used for more housing and more green space/trees. This bill sets limits on how much parking can be required, thus reducing the cost of building new housing. This bill had the support of both parties, and passed the Senate 40-8. Washington State Senate Approves Sweeping Parking Reform Bill (The Urbanist). Lead by Sightline Institute.
These bills have been approved by their committees and have been scheduled for a floor vote in their chamber of origin:
Digital Right to Repair (HB 1483). Requires manufacturers of digital electronic products to make repair information, parts and tools available so small businesses can repair these items. Extending the life of computers, tablets and cellphones, and appliances reduces the burden on manufacturing new products – therefore also decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and mining. Companion bill to SB 5423, which is waiting to be scheduled for a floor vote in the Senate. Lead by Zero Waste Washington.
GMA Compliance (HB 1135). Closes a loophole that allows cities and counties to avoid compliance with new provisions of the Growth Management Act for housing affordability and climate change in local comprehensive plans. Lead by Futurewise.
Including Riders on Transit Boards (HB 1418). Most transit systems in the state are overseen by a board made up of elected leaders from the cities and counties covered by a Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA). This bill would encourage those boards to include two members who are regular users of the transit system, one of whom is a representative of a community based organization. The bill would also require meetings to be held at times and places reasonably accessible by public transit, allowing both the transit riding board members and transit riding public to attend and participate. Lead by Disability Rights Washington.
Sewage Containing Spills (HB 1670). Lead by Environmental Priorities Coalition.
Increasing Transmission Capacity (HB 1819). Increases transmission capacity on existing rights of way. Requires electric utilities with more than 25,000 customers to evaluate where reconductoring. Directs the UTC to allow an incentive rate of return on electric utility investments in reconductoring and grid-enhancing technologies (GETS) for 15 years and to adopt additional incentives to encourage increased deployment of transmission improvements. Lead by Climate Solutions.
These bills are waiting to be scheduled for a floor vote in their chamber of origin:
Home Energy Score (HB 1015). This bill establishes a method for making energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions labeling of existing residential buildings available to homebuyers. Lead by People for Climate Action.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HB 1462). Reduces hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants that are potent greenhouse gases, promoting more climate-friendly alternatives and refrigerant recovery and reuse. Lead by Zero Waste Washington.
Monitoring PFAS in Biosolids (SB 5033). Calls for the state to measure the forever chemicals in wastewater treatment facilities that generate biosolids. Lead by Zero Waste Washington.
Recycling Reform Act (SB 5284/HB 1150). Creates a producer responsibility program to reduce unnecessary packaging and paper products. Specific incentives are built in to reduce plastic packaging. This bill will bring consistent and accessible recycling to all state residents. Lead by Zero Waste Washington.
Digital Right to Repair (SB 5423). Requires manufacturers of digital electronic products to make repair information, parts and tools available so small businesses can repair these items. Extending the life of computers, tablets and cellphones, and appliances reduces the burden on manufacturing new products – therefore also decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and mining. Companion bill to HB 1483, which is scheduled for a floor vote in the house. Lead by Zero Waste Washington.
Transmission Authority & Streamlined Transmission Upgrades (SB 5466). This bill requires the state to make a detailed roadmap for getting the transmission we need, creates a transmission authority to oversee the process, even building it when utilities won't, and streamlines permitting upgrades to existing transmission infrastructure. Lead by Climate Solutions.
Safe Streets for Active Transportation (SB 5581). Strengthens requirements for complete streets and shared use paths.
Legalizing Neighborhood Stores and Cafes (HB 1175). Requires cities to allow neighborhood stores and cafes in residential zones (think corner stores, mini markets, small neighborhood cafes). Lead by Sightline Institute.
Adjusting Building codes to support Sustainable and Affordable Housing (HB 1183). Requires a variety of tweaks to city building codes to make it easier to build affordable and sustainable housing and to retrofit buildings to be more sustainable. Lead by Sightline Institute.
Cumulative Risk Burden (CURB) Act (HB 1303). Addresses the disproportionate impact of new and existing pollution on overburdened communities. Led by Front & Centered.
Transit-Oriented Development (HB 1491). Requires local zoning standards to allow greater density near transit across the state with some of it required to be affordable. There are different standards depending on distance from transit and type of transit. Near train stations the minimum zoning is higher and covers a greater area, but near bus rapid transit stations the minimum is lower and covers a smaller area. Lead by Futurewise.
Encouraging the deployment of low carbon thermal energy networks (HB 1514). Thermal energy networks (TENs) are heating services provided by shared geothermal heat pumps, and they are a possible pathway for transitioning buildings off fossil gas while also transitioning the gas companies themselves. The UTC may allow electric companies to offer discounts to a TENs company if they offer a TEN service that is more efficient than electrical service. The UTC may also require gas companies to plan for TENs on an annual basis, and electrical companies must now plan for TENs as part of their regular planning process. And the UTC must report to the Legislature by 2027 as to whether there are interoperability standards that are ready for adoption. The Dept. of Commerce will offer grants to local jurisdictions for TENs planning and TENs mapping. TENs companies will be regulated by the UTC, as gas and electric companies are now. Lead by Sightline Institute.
Establishing Priorities for Intercity Passenger Rail (HB 1837). Lead by Climate Rail Alliance.
Elsewhere
If you are looking for climate-related material taken off the Federal websites, some of it has been uploaded to the Climate Program Portal which is serving as a clearinghouse.
California's new fuel standard has been rejected by the CA Office of Administrative Law because it lacks clarity in the rulemaking (KQED). The California Air Resources Board will review the order and plans to resubmit. Substantial changes would require a public comment period. The low carbon fuels program offers financial incentives to companies to produce cleaner transportation fuels.