OLYMPIA – Protecting Washington’s natural resources now and into the future is the aim of a package of bills that cleared the state House today. Legislators voted on measures to safeguard the state’s waterways, preserve outdoor heritage, and maintain an “Evergreen Legacy” for future generations.
“Our economy is dependent on a healthy environment,” said Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines), who chairs the House Environment Committee. “Whether you live in the Puget Sound region or the Spokane River Valley, we all rely on our natural resources to deliver the quality of life we enjoy in Washington.”
Many of today’s bills will help reduce the pollution entering rivers, lakes and Puget Sound:
- HB 1186 incorporates lessons learned from last year’s BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico so that our state can prevent a similar disaster from happening here. It puts new responsibilities on oil companies for the safe travel of their oil tankers through Washington’s waters, with updated contingency plans and proper equipment in place for a swift, effective response in the event of a spill. (Sponsored by Rep. Rolfes, D – Bainbridge Island)
- HB 1489 limits the sale of lawn fertilizer containing phosphorous in order to help prevent toxic algae blooms in lakes and streams. Algae need phosphorous to thrive, and other states that have restricted its use in fertilizer have experienced a noticeable reduction in algae blooms. There are cheaper alternatives to phosphorous that are just as effective, and the bill exempts agricultural users and instances where phosphorous is needed to establish healthy root growth. (Sponsored by Rep. Andy Billig, D – Spokane)
- HB 1721 makes Washington the first state in the nation to ban coal-tar pavement sealant. The sealant contains high concentrations of toxics called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer and the destruction of fish and aquatic wildlife. Runoff from pavement that uses coal-tar sealant poisons streams and lakes, endangering both human and animal life. (Sponsored by Rep. David Frockt, D – Seattle)
Other bills continue and re-focus efforts to protect and restore the state’s waterways:
- HB 1294 consolidates and streamlines the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) program under the Department of Ecology’s administration, and creates a branch of the WCC to focus specifically on projects to restore, protect, and preserve Puget Sound. Described as affecting the “triple bottom line,” the bill creates more job opportunities within the WCC, includes opportunities for veterans, and could help attract federal dollars specifically for Puget Sound cleanup. (Sponsored by Rep. Steve Tharinger, D – Sequim)
- HB 1395 continues efforts to prevent invasive species like zebra mussels from entering our state and causing millions of dollars in damages and public health problems. It eliminates the expiration date of a fee that is paid when people register their boats or renew their registration. This fee goes to invasive species prevention and control. (Sponsored by Rep. Hans Dunshee, D – Snohomish)
The House also passed the following bills today that relate to environmental protection, natural resource stewardship, and sustainability:
- HB 1071 – Directs the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to establish a Complete Streets Grant Program. The department would be required to consult with local jurisdictions prior to any design work when constructing or making major repairs to city streets that are part of a state highway, in order to ensure safe and reliable access for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation, and motor vehicles. The idea is that the roads of the future will be used by more than just cars. (Sponsored by Rep. Jim Moeller, D – Vancouver)
- HB 1413 – Changes the expiration dates of the Invasive Species Council and the Invasive Species Council Account from December 31, 2011, to June 30, 2017, in order to allow the Council to continue its work preventing new invasive species from entering the state. (Sponsored by Rep. Brian Blake, D – Aberdeen)
- HB 1698 – Changes requirements and administration of the Puget Sound Recreational Salmon and Marine Fish Enhancement Program with the stated intent to improve recreational fishing opportunities. (Sponsored by Rep. Kristine Lytton, D – Anacortes)
- HB 1885 – HB 1885 makes streamlining improvements in the administration of programs affecting the natural environment. These minor reforms will provide much needed flexibility and cost savings to agencies so that they can focus on their priorities and frontline services. While each change has a small effect, they will collectively amount to current and future savings. The agencies affected by these reforms include the State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Puget Sound Partnership, and the Departments of Ecology, Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife, and Agriculture. (Sponsored by Rep. Luis Moscoso, D – Mountlake Terrace)
- HB 1886 – Gives counties the option to protect critical areas used for agricultural activities through a voluntary stewardship program rather than through the regulatory requirements of the state’s Growth Management Act. (Sponsored by Rep. Dean Takko, D – Longview)