From the director - Climate Change Legislation Heating Up

There were a number of climate change bills introduced this week that have implications on cities.

Much of the legislation introduced is focused on reducing our state’s greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs, expanding our green economy, and making significant progress towards energy independence. While the intent of these bills is admirable, there are diverse perspectives among cities about how to specifically address climate change.

A growing number of Washington’s cities recognize the threats, challenges and opportunities posed by climate change and are working to find solutions, focusing initially on reducing emissions from sources they directly own or operate. Other cities are struggling to provide basic services and, while they may be aware of climate change issues, don’t currently have the resources or capacity to address climate change directly.

Recognizing the increasing importance of climate change and sustainability issues for Washington’s cities and the state, AWC’s Board of Directors adopted a legislative priority addressing climate change and stated the following:

AWC will explore ways to engage cities in activities and commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; actively share information with cities on what others are doing and how they might most effectively address local opportunities to reduce emissions; and oppose legislation that mandates cities address this in their GMA plans and regulations and be open to legislation that helps cities continue to plan for compact, efficient and livable communities.

Given the varying perspectives amongst cities, AWC created a Climate Change Task Force that has been meeting periodically over the last 2 years with the purpose of: sharing and discussing views on how cities can respond to climate change challenges; evaluating legislative and state agency proposals impacting cities; and providing guidance to AWC’s Board and staff on how to assist cities to better understand their opportunities to address this important issue. The Task Force will be conducting a conference call on Wednesday, February 4 to discuss the following bills introduced as of this writing and provide AWC staff with their perspectives.

Legislation known as "Cap and Invest" (HB 1819/SB 5735) was introduced to limit greenhouse gas emissions and create market incentives that will drive reductions in climate-changing greenhouse gas pollution through a cap-and-trade system designed last year by the seven states (including Washington) and four Canadian provinces in the Western Climate Initiative.

Legislation was introduced and heard this past week to encourage electric vehicle use and to expedite the establishment of a convenient, cost-effective, electric vehicle infrastructure (HB 1481/SB 5418). These bills would provide a state and local tax exemption for the new generation of plug-in electric vehicles. However, this bill would also exempt installation of electric vehicle infrastructure from most of the State Environmental Policy Act provisions and would preempt local governments from regulating electric vehicle infrastructure except for certain permitting authority.

In addition, a number of bills were introduced that address energy efficiency and green buildings, land use, solid waste and transportation. If these bills proceed, we have a fundamental expectation and will work to secure meaningful state funding assistance as necessary. For more detailed information on all of these bills, please see the Energy and Telecommunications, Environment and Water as well as Land Use and Housing sections of this Bulletin.

Climate change will no doubt be a major issue in this legislative session and for years to come. Mitigating and adapting for climate change is not a "one size fits all" process. While it is appropriate that cities take an increasingly active role in studying the potential threats posed by climate change and evaluating administrative and policy response options; actions will need to be tailored to the circumstances of each unique community.

We welcome your thoughts! Please contact sheris@awcnet.org to share your comments.

Thanks.

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