Great news! Five of Earth Ministry’s legislative priorities are still alive, including our top priority, a clean fuel standard! Here are the bills moving forward and a bit about each:
1. Clean Fuel Standard (HB 1110): Reduces the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 20% by 2035 and incentivizes clean energy. Supported by Washington’s Catholic bishops and one of four priority bills at Catholic Lobby Day last week!
*Passed Senate Environment Committee 2/25, moves to Senate Transportation Committee*
2. Climate Pollution Limits (HB 2311): Updates the state’s greenhouse gas limits to reflect current science and lays groundwork to reach net zero carbon emissions and beyond.
*Passed Senate Environment Committee 2/25, moves to Senate Ways & Means Committee*
3. Reduce Plastic Pollution (SB 5323): Eliminates thin, carry-home plastic bags at all retail establishments.
Executive session in the House Environment Committee 2/25.
4. Safer Firefighting Foam (HB 2265): Closes loopholes and exemptions for the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam.
Executive session in the Senate Environment Committee 2/25.
5. Clean Air Act Authority Bill (HB 2892/SB 6628): Enables the Department of Ecology to regulate greenhouse gas emissions associated with those fossil fuel sellers and distributors, updating our state’s ability to tackle climate pollution.
Did not pass house of origin, but still moving because it is “necessary to implement in the budget.”
Look up your legislative district and your representatives’ contact info here. Please call or email to let them know how important it is that these bills make it to the Governor’s desk this year. Remember to share that you are a person of faith!
Executive session means that the committee will discuss the bill and potentially vote on it, but there is not a public hearing scheduled. Check Earth Ministry’s legislative webpage later this week for updates on how they fare. Thank you for being a faithful advocate!