Dear friends & neighbors,
Two weeks down, six more to go! As a proud member of the House Environment & Energy Committee, I’ve been laser-focused this session on protecting the progress we’ve made to mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change. We must fight back on attempts to repeal our investments in a cleaner, better future AND keep moving forward on new priorities with urgency.
I am proud to support these climate priorities this session:
100% clean school buses: requires and funds the purchase of zero emission school buses which will improve kids’ health and performance in school (HB 1368). 🚌
Hold oil companies accountable: requires oil companies to show their pricing math to the state, creates a watchdog team at the UTC, gives the state needed information so they can penalize companies for setting unfair prices, and forbids greenwashing under the state consumer protection law (HB 2232). ⛽
Divert food and yard waste from landfills: cut down on methane gases emitted in WA by improving composting outcomes (HB 2301). 🚯
End the use of toxic mercury lighting products: phase out the sale of mercury-containing light bulbs and shift financial responsibility to producers (HB 1185). 💡
Require manufacturers to repair digital electronics: extend the life of computers, tablets and cellphones to decrease greenhouse gas and lower the costs for consumers (HB 1933). 💻
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Free and easy recycling for all!
Did you know that more than half (52%!) of all paper and packaging in Washington goes to landfills? Not only does this waste valuable material that could otherwise be recycled, but it results in over 560,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year, the equivalent emissions of 120,000 cars.
That’s why I am excited to champion the reWRAP Act (HB 2049) which will:
- provide FREE curbside recycling services to ALL Washington residents that currently have garbage service;
- create a statewide list of recyclable materials; and
- shift the cost burden of recycling from residents and local governments to producers of paper and packaging.
This bill will increase recycling in WA by 26% by 2032 and incentivize producers to reduce their packaging. A true win-win for consumers and our planet!
Read more about it in the Seattle Times!
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Thank you to all who attended our successful townhall!
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As always, reach out anytime to my Legislative Assistant Sam Tinsley or email me. It’s an honor to serve you in Olympia.
Best wishes,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District