Dear friends and neighbors,  

Hope all is well! House of origin cutoff was Tuesday—and we passed 270 bills, 146 of which were unanimous and 205 that received strong bipartisan support (80+ votes)! Here’s an update on my bills that have passed in the House and are now being considered in the Senate:

House Bill 2301: Strengthening Waste Management and Organic Material Practices 

Effective waste management is essential for environmental sustainability. This bill creates a program that provides a supply of additional fresh produce in our food banks by purchasing unsold produce from our local farmers, increasing opportunities for schools to access grant programs for food and other waste reduction, amending food compost collection service requirements, and implementing color standards for disposal bins. By incentivizing food waste reduction, enhancing composting management, and standardizing disposal practices, this bill is a win-win-win in reducing greenhouse gas emissions food that ends up in our landfills, helps reduce hunger in our state, and provides more access to compost for our farmers.

House Bill 1893: Protecting Worker Rights: Ensuring Fair Access to Unemployment Benefits 

This bill helps to level the playing field for our workers by providing 4 weeks of Unemployment Insurance for striking workers after a 14-day waiting period.  While these benefits are far from a worker’s full salary, it will help to ensure workers can continue to keep a roof over their head and food on the table for their families while on strike. 

Watch my speech on the House floor here! 

House Bill 1589: Supporting Washington’s clean energy economy and transitioning to a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future. 

Transitioning to clean energy is essential for combating climate change and fostering economic growth. This bill establishes processes for Puget Sound Energy – the state’s largest gas and electric company – to consolidate planning requirements, invest in clean energy infrastructure, transition low-income families’ homes to electric appliances and mandates labor requirements for large utility projects, among other provisions. By promoting clean energy investments and ensuring labor standards, this bill advances Washington’s clean energy goals, creating jobs and securing a sustainable future for generations to come. 

House Bill 2207: Providing tools designed to reduce the impacts of unlawful solid waste dumping 

Unlawful solid waste dumping poses environmental threats that demand swift action. This bill reclassifies specific violations as natural resource infractions rather than misdemeanors, empowering personnel to enforce regulations more effectively. Additionally, it reallocates restitution payments for litter cleanup, establishing waste disposal campaigns to combat illegal dumping. A pilot project for vessel removal and funding initiatives further enhances waste management efforts. 

House Bill 2401: Responsible Management of Refrigerant Gases 

Addressing the environmental impact of refrigerant gases is imperative. This bill mandates producer participation in a stewardship program for refrigerants with high global warming potential. By engaging producers in a circular economy approach, the legislation aims to mitigate the adverse effects of refrigerant emissions. 

House Bill 1391: Energy Efficiency in Buildings 

Efficient energy usage is pivotal for sustainability. This bill establishes a Statewide Building Energy Upgrade Navigator Program to facilitate energy services for residential and commercial building owners. Additionally, it mandates the alignment of programs with federal initiatives, fostering energy efficiency across various building types. 

House Bill 1185: Reducing Environmental Impacts of Lighting Products 

Transitioning away from mercury-containing lights is crucial for environmental protection. This bill phases out such lights and extends recycling programs while regulating environmental handling charges. By promoting responsible disposal and incentivizing sustainable alternatives, the legislation advances environmental stewardship.  Check out Light Recycle Washington programs in your community to recycle your lights for free! 

House Bill 1368: Funding Zero Emission School Buses 

Transitioning to zero-emission school buses is essential for reducing emissions. This bill establishes a grant program for the gradual adoption of zero-emission buses, particularly in overburdened communities. By promoting clean transportation and modernizing school bus fleets, the legislation supports environmental and public health goals. 

House Bill 1433: Energy Labeling of Residential Buildings 

Enhancing energy efficiency in residential buildings is paramount. This bill allows cities and counties to require home energy performance reports for single-family residences at the time of sale. By promoting transparency and standardization in energy reporting, the legislation empowers consumers when making what is likely the largest purchase they will ever make.  

House Bill 1924: Integration of Fusion Technology in Clean Energy Policies 

Embracing innovative energy solutions is vital for sustainable development. This bill supports fusion energy within the State Energy Strategy and enhances regulatory frameworks for fusion projects. By fostering technological advancements and promoting clean energy integration, the legislation drives progress towards a greener future. 

House Bill 1948: Ensuring Voluntary Investments in Renewable Power 

Encouraging voluntary investments in renewable energy is key to achieving sustainability goals. This bill clarifies that voluntary renewable energy purchases do not affect utility load calculations for renewable targets. By incentivizing renewable energy adoption, the legislation accelerates the transition to a cleaner energy future. 

House Bill 1976: Incentivizing Energy Efficiency in Buildings 

Promoting energy efficiency in buildings is essential for reducing carbon emissions. This bill allows for higher incentive payments under the Early Adoption Incentive Program for commercial buildings working to meet energy performance standards. By incentivizing energy-efficient practices, the legislation helps commercial building owners reduce energy use. 

House Bill 2039: Streamlining Appeals Process for Environmental Matters 

Efficient resolution of environmental appeals is critical for regulatory effectiveness. This bill modifies the appeals process for clean energy projects, consolidating appeals and expanding the jurisdiction of relevant boards. By enhancing procedural clarity and expediting decision-making, the legislation promotes environmental accountability and regulatory efficiency. 

House Bill 2069: Sale of Biogenic Carbon Dioxide and Biogas Coproducts 

Maximizing the value of biogenic resources is crucial for sustainable development. This bill authorizes the sale of biogenic carbon dioxide and other biogas products by public utility districts. By facilitating resource utilization and promoting economic opportunities, the legislation advances sustainable practices in resource management. 

House Bill 2131: Establishment of Thermal Energy Networks 

Expanding access to thermal energy networks is vital for promoting renewable energy usage. This bill allows utilities to own and operate thermal energy networks, subject to regulatory oversight. By facilitating infrastructure development and incentivizing renewable energy adoption, the legislation supports sustainable energy initiatives. 

House Bill 1955: Repeal of Greenhouse Gas Content Disclosure Provision 

Streamlining regulatory requirements is essential for administrative efficiency. This bill repeals the greenhouse gas content disclosure provision for electric utilities. By eliminating redundant reporting obligations, the legislation reduces regulatory burden and promotes regulatory efficiency. 

The bills we have been working on represent important steps towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our state and our planet. Thank you so much for reading.  

Sincerely,  

Rep. Beth Doglio