Environmental bills being considered by WA House

OLYMPIA — Several environmental bills have been introduced in the 2023 session of the Washington House of Representatives. Topics include labor reporting, solid waste management and resident energy options.

A noncomprehensive list of environmental-related proposed bills is below courtesy of the Environmental Priorities Coalition. The descriptions below are abridged.

HB 1131: Improving Washington's solid waste management outcomes.

This bill would modernize Washington’s recycling system, including incorporating a beverage redemption system and post-consumer recycled content mandates.

Reduces excess packaging, increases recycling, refill and reuse, creates a uniform recycling list and reduces costs for local governments and ratepayers.

Upcoming meetings:

House Committee on Environment & Energy Executive Session - Feb. 2

HB 1282: Requiring environmental and labor reporting for public building construction and renovation material.

Creates a reporting system for the carbon footprint of building materials, worker information, and other data points like health certifications.

The information and database created under the bill will help the state leverage its purchasing power to procure climate-smart building materials that support workers.

Upcoming meetings:

House Committee on Capital Budget Public Hearing - Feb. 2

HB 1391: Concerning energy in buildings

Establishes an energy navigator program as a resource for residential and small commercial building owners and tenants looking to improve their energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The energy navigator service would facilitate finding energy audit services, identifying contractors, assist with securing financing, and income qualify residents for appropriate programs. It also requires community outreach to ensure clear education on funding opportunities.

HB 1392: Promoting the fair servicing and repair of digital electronic equipment

Would require digital electronic product manufacturers to make repair information, parts and tools available to independent repair businesses and owners.

Extending the life of computers, tablets and cellphones will decrease the need for more resources, energy and transportation to manufacture new products – therefore also decreasing greenhouse gas and lowering the costs for consumers.

Upcoming meetings:

House Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology Public Hearing - Feb. 1

HB 1416: Applying the affected market customer provisions of the Washington clean energy transformation act to nonresidential customers of consumer-owned utilities.

Ensures that new large facilities that purchase their own electricity comply with the clean energy standards in the clean energy transformation act, regardless of where they are located.

Current law only applies to large customers who discontinue service from an investor-owned utility, which only covers about half the state.

Upcoming meetings:

House Committee on Environment & Energy Executive Session - Feb. 2