Last year's session

2009 Legislative Session Wrap Up

While some progress for the environment was made, the 2009 legislative session did not bring big movement on key environmental issues ranging from climate change to restoring Puget Sound to health.

What this session did see was an outpouring of public support for the Environmental Priorities. At every event – from the Environmental Priorities Coalition Legislative Workshop to Environmental Lobby Day – WEC and our partner groups saw record attendance with new faces from all over the state. During session, over 5,000 people contacted their elected officials to share their support for smart solutions to protect our state’s future. Thank you for all your work.

Climate Change

In this tough session that was focused on the state’s budget woes, The Transit Oriented Communities and Cap and Invest priorities stalled early in session.. Then a new version of the Governor’s climate bill that would have delivered real reductions in carbon pollution failed to make it past the finish line. While the lack of progress on a comprehensive approach was disappointing, Governor Gregoire continues to show real leadership on climate change. WEC and our partners will continue to work with her and legislative leaders to move Washington forward on this critical issue.

However, some progress was made. The Efficiency First law will gradually raise standards for new building construction, while improving energy efficiency in existing public buildings through insulation, better windows and improved heating and cooling systems.

The legislature also made progress in preparing Washington for the damaging impacts of climate change. A new law takes some important steps to move our state forward in planning for climate change impacts, and requires any entity receiving grants from the capital budget to have a plan in place to meet state climate emission reduction goals.

The legislature also passed tax credits for renewable energy projects in Washington, which will benefit communities by creating new jobs and provide incentive for renewable projects of all sizes. Renewing these tax credits keeps Washington in a position to attract new, green business.

Budget

Core environmental protections, essential for making Washington a healthy place for families to live, took a hard financial hit in the state budget. Some key programs were defended, but included in the cuts was the complete elimination of the Water Quality Account, which has in the past provided tens of millions of dollars for sewage treatment and other clean water efforts.

The budget passed by the legislature also included a dramatic cut to the state’s toxic cleanup program, which means that communities will have less help in dealing with abandoned hazardous wastes near schools, daycares, and homes. Additionally, most natural resource agencies suffered unsustainable cuts in their operations, which will result in less enforcement of our core environmental laws.

In a follow up to past environmental priorities, the final capital budget included $70 million for Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which will fund 95 parks, trails, wildlife habitat and farmland preservation projects all over the state. This is down from $100 million in the previous state budget. Similarly, while funding for Local Farms – Healthy Kids programs was reduced, the core functions of the new Farm-to-School Office, the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and the Washington Grown Fresh Fruits and Veggies Snack program were preserved.

Water

The Invest in Clean Water Priority addressed the stormwater pollution that is the number one threat to Puget Sound. It would have imposed a modest fee on oil companies in order to pay for prevention and clean up. Unfortunately, it did not pass before the end of session. Without it, cash-strapped local governments will have to find funding elsewhere, and less will be done to stem ongoing pollution in our streams, lakes and Sound.

In a win for Puget Sound, an oil spill response tug at Neah Bay was made permanent. The rescue tug, which is dispatched to intercept oil tankers and other vessels in distress, has proven to be one of the most effective tools at the state’s disposal to prevent a major oil spill.

Moving Forward

That we achieved the victories we had in a tough session is due to the tireless work of our legislative champions.

WEC will continue to work with our partners to achieve the progress on issues we can’t afford to ignore, like climate change and the restoration of Puget Sound.