March 10 - Special Hot List for the State House

POSSIBLE HOUSE FLOOR ACTION

ESHB 3181: The Clean Water Act of 2010 funding cleanup of water pollution and other programs necessary for the health and well-being of Washington citizens through an increase in the hazardous substance tax.

POSITION: SUPPORT STRIKER

• Striking amendments sponsored primarily by Representative Springer are a compromise for raising critical new revenue to clean up stormwater pollution. The striker eliminates the general fund allocation that was in the original bill, adds in an export tax credit (sought by the oil companies) and would increase the Hazardous Substance Tax by .85 percent, generating $100 million per year.
• Contrary to oil company assertions, the Hazardous Substance Tax is constitutional. The tax has been in place for 20 years and has never been challenged. Constitutional law expert Hugh Spitzer has issued a legal opinion that concludes without reservation the tax is NOT a gas tax covered by the 18th amendment of the state constitution. This conclusion is supported by a 2001 Attorney General opinion.
• This bill is a substantial win in tough times for jobs, the environment, and local economies. Thousands of construction jobs will be created across the state for clean water infrastructure work.