March 8 - Hot List for 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 SPRINGER STRIKER

*1 of 3 Community Priorities for the 2010 Session*

• The striker sponsored by Representative Springer is a smart 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 only .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.