[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6361574,"mediaKeyId","2170563-4763815dbf8f708726027b7cba3d6cf8","parentId",2170563,"title","Bill aims to boost reclaimed refrigerant supply, set phased limits on high‑GWP gases","audioSeconds",1720,"startMs",4560000,"endMs",6280000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170563-4763815dbf8f708726027b7cba3d6cf8&start=4560&end=6280","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170563-4763815dbf8f708726027b7cba3d6cf8/thumbnail_4560000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6361574/Washington/Bill-aims-to-boost-reclaimed-refrigerant-supply-set-phased-limits-on-highGWP-gases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361574-bd1237940e9af9ac59b3cbb01f59b6cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107697&Signature=mCFW~KP8lZmdNgFhOqGqrcaRizLeV4BPyE8DzdX1-1FodHkBVsli3x5yUKARuUVkUIULOh18qkuS6vnU2AiwnDUojSfVBR~qzVuX~t-bgVh5NMhNu-pq742aq4pgyLFRgYBO6uUmaUeFmgB3kWXSUSxboft5OlVVqS5MGldr1cMr79wCOQu4FzR5e14rAFVIng04e0tN-T-ntMJG8~hqMYG5WbJxlubcv8RNTyigvzzu865IK005zz3gzDBfjhtS8xAtbwAqq6T1zgpANlngMgTBjzu4cS0-UzqIYwYCBTUL8P~Yf7dtBZyoHyHIOK2vEqq6IhvYKjLcrPv5jJTGtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Environment & Energy","date","2025-01-30T00:00:00Z","article","The committee heard House Bill 1462, a bill targeting hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant management and transition. Staff summarized that the bill has three main components: (1) a prohibition on servicing state-owned or operated stationary equipment with virgin HFCs that exceed a specified global warming potential (GWP) beginning July 1, 2026; (2) phased GWP limits for virgin bulk HFCs entering commerce in Washington; and (3) establishment of a refrigerant transition task force to study and guide a move to low‑GWP alternatives.

Jacob Lipsen (committee staff) briefed members on existing state and federal context: Ecology already implements refrigerant-management programs for large stationary sources, federal AIM Act rules are phasing down national HFC supply, and Washington has procurement guidance favoring reclaimed refrigerant. Lipsen summarized the bill’s components and the task force charge. Sponsor Rep. Devina Doer (1st District) said the bill is intended to grow the market for reclaimed refrigerants so equipment owners can continue to maintain existing refrigeration systems rather than replace them prematurely as virgin HFC supplies fall.

Business and industry perspectives were mixed but generally supportive of a carefully phased approach. Mike Wintrick (PCC Community Markets) and other grocery representatives said the bill would help ensure reclaimed refrigerant is available to service existing refrigeration that is critical for food safety. Contractors and trade groups (Washington Air Conditioning Contractors Association; Mechanical Contractors Association) urged protections so contractors can use existing legally purchased virgin refrigerants on equipment until reclaimed product supply is adequate and asked for task force membership to include field technicians and agricultural specialists.

Reclaimers and environmental groups supported the bill’s market‑building approach. Mike Armstrong (AIGAS, refrigerant reclamation company) and the Natural Resources Defense Council said demand signals for reclamation will lower long‑term costs and reduce emissions. Industry witnesses asked the committee to clarify whether the bill would ban the use of stockpiled refrigerant already legally purchased and to ensure the task force schedule and implementation dates allow time for supply‑chain adjustments.

Committee discussion touched on affordability and supply for rural and agricultural users, the need for technical representation on the task force, and the timing of any effective dates. Several witnesses recommended moving some start dates later (for example to 2028) so the task force can complete its work and California’s implementation experience can be reviewed. The hearing closed with the sponsor noting continued stakeholder engagement and proposed subcommittee work on amendments.

No final committee vote on HB 1462 appears in the transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Environment & Energy - 1/30/2025 8:00 AM","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 1462 would require increased use of reclaimed refrigerant in state systems, set phased limits on certain virgin HFCs entering commerce, and create a task force to study low‑GWP refrigerant alternatives.","taxTitle","Environment & Energy, House of Representatives, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20260,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6361578,"Bill would require UTC review of investor-owned utilities’ wildfire plans within 60 days",373,2288000,2661000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170563-4763815dbf8f708726027b7cba3d6cf8&start=2288&end=2661","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170563-4763815dbf8f708726027b7cba3d6cf8/thumbnail_2288000.jpg","/articles/6361578/Washington/Bill-would-require-UTC-review-of-investor-owned-utilities-wildfire-plans-within-60-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361578-83d3a24b3975c66c054928480e9207a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107697&Signature=RfMqnXUgUjRgInxMRAv4RL8xVcGyyUardItqgJL2tUjJlQd9cmM7~ifa6K-qrvhv12Ovrp98t9VvGvi4Uz4W2g64wGekVqi7FceE41fPkiB7k8zKWf9vjH6IhrHhbgeQIGdI0vJmPDCOI8kvoPMXCLvneOyOachqpgmgRXo5wfcPU685nN4-hpFIjMTSdDCqqd4-F7jeu1EWxo9iTQg6C4HHHyOY7AQRffcLbZR8p4HiR8x6-uXQSNty32X-XEh5n8C37B3Ik5TW1CXvITaL4~5KdIRdqCIzu937EKUh~dFHqwp2cYnXdLyuFve3glvHxF12~rkzcKua83lLzyCamg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee staff briefed members on House Bill 1522, which addresses wildfire mitigation planning for investor-owned electric utilities. The bill would require investor-owned utilities to review, adopt and file wildfire mitigation plans with the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC), and the UTC would have 60 days to approve or reject a plan.

Matt Sterling, staff to the committee, summarized the bill’s requirements and noted the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends a format and list of elements to include in utilities’ wildfire mitigation plans. Under HB 1522 utilities must update mitigation plans at least every three years and provide copies to DNR and the Utility Wildland Fire Prevention Advisory Committee. The bill would remove a separate requirement that utilities report a list and description of wildland fires involving utility equipment.

Sponsor Rep. Tom Dent (13th Legislative District) said the bill grew from 2023 work that allowed utilities to submit mitigation plans and aims to improve consistency and oversight. He said investor-owned utilities had requested a clearer approval process and more consistent plan standards.

Investor-owned utilities and trade groups testified in support. Jillian Kyrus of Avista said regulatory oversight of wildfire mitigation plans would increase safety and help protect life, property and grid reliability. Jay Belaspas of PacifiCorp and Matt Miller of Puget Sound Energy said the process could be viewed as credit-positive because it reduces uncertainty and the cost of borrowing for utilities, potentially lowering long-term costs for customers. Utility and industry witnesses described actions utilities have taken—weather stations, meteorologists, covered conductor and targeted undergrounding—and argued the bill would provide accountability and allow application of lessons between seasons.

Questions from committee members focused on whether the bill would apply only to investor-owned utilities (staff confirmed it does), how the proposed UTC review would interact with existing standards or audits (including voluntary or mandatory reviews by NERC), and whether the 60-day review window is adequate. Several witnesses and intervenors suggested more time than 60 days; the Northwest Energy Coalition recommended 180 days to match Oregon’s review timeline and allow UTC staff and stakeholders enough time for a detailed review.

Witnesses representing forestry, large industrial energy users, and associations of business said they support the bill but requested technical amendments to refine forestry interactions, data and customer engagement in the UTC process.

No committee action on the bill is recorded in the transcript; sponsors and utilities indicated they are working on targeted amendments to address stakeholder concerns.","House Bill 1522 would require investor-owned utilities to file wildfire mitigation plans with the Utilities and Transportation Commission for approval or rejection within 60 days; utilities and industry groups said oversight could improve consistency while some advocates urged a longer review period.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6361585,"Committee hears bill to require producer-run program for post-consumer textiles",3392,24000,3416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170563-4763815dbf8f708726027b7cba3d6cf8&start=24&end=3416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170563-4763815dbf8f708726027b7cba3d6cf8/thumbnail_24000.jpg","/articles/6361585/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-require-producer-run-program-for-post-consumer-textiles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361585-9eda1bb25777857f9a592a828623354a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107697&Signature=Z~1cJRp~UCa5mGFSfwEKpBg4VCagF0d4WJpYY8lN0xYOQhII2-QMjtXXEz4m3mbnhg5ht6-B4HzHBLvXmeRVrPObYqhVasUM1ljDVwc6auGtpUkx9CmpeC0MKcfxM6FfRu28B6JduUnzwbOF5qI03wfHZdnIY3ZUHoesGshz8GN0RjWCwqkZ3lcXu6TePuMyxUP4tMMXVI2shnq93wJyKZSYPqo9symMPRKHx-RpjxaY61ybHuJ9ndLeuNwtIR5mkIxbL4GkhV9Y64jmPKjm4cqp1fkKH-xHa-ra0vKAPhaiPp4dcgqf7WCDXPOjlIKzlcOzDaODDdUUUQuUeeplxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Environment & Energy Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1420, a proposal that would require producers of apparel and other covered textile articles to form a producer responsibility organization (PRO) to oversee post-consumer management of those products.

Jacob Lipsen, staff to the committee, told members the bill would require a PRO to register with the Department of Ecology by 2027, pay for needs assessments (the first due in 2028 and updated every five years), submit a post-consumer management plan by Jan. 1, 2029, and be able to implement the plan beginning April 1, 2031 with full implementation by Jan. 1, 2032. The plan would cover collection, transport and processing; annual reporting; independent financial audits; and performance standards that Ecology could adjust. Lipsen also said Ecology would charge a fee to cover its oversight costs and could impose penalties for noncompliance.

Sponsor Rep. Christine Reeves, who framed the bill as a multi-year conversation starter, said the proposal is intended to reduce the amount of textiles going to landfills, encourage repair and reuse, and build a circular approach to textile use. Reeves credited stakeholder work and cited California’s recently enacted textile EPR law as a model the bill builds upon.

Supporters at the hearing included community groups and local governments. Heather Trim of 0 Waste Washington said Ecology’s most recent report shows about 188,000 tons of textiles and apparel enter Washington’s landfills and incinerators, and urged action to reduce that flow. Peter Lyon of the Department of Ecology described textile waste as “a growing problem,” citing a state estimate of over 200,000 tons and saying the bill could create markets for reuse, repair and recycling and support local jobs. Municipal and county solid-waste managers and Seattle Public Utilities testified in favor, saying current local outlets and resale markets cannot keep up with the volume and that producers should share responsibility and costs.

Several retail and business groups registered concerns or opposition. Crystal Leatherman of the Washington Retail Association, Peter Godlowski (Association of Washington Business), Brandon Huskeeper (Northwest Grocery Retail Association) and Andrew Pappas of the American Apparel and Footwear Association all said the bill as drafted would place administrative and financial burdens on retailers and distributors. They asked for further stakeholder work and urged caution about convenience standards that could shift collection responsibilities to retailers.

Testimony also included nonprofit, industry and community stakeholders describing local reuse efforts. Amanda Miller of the South King Tool Library and McKenna Morgan of Seattle Public Utilities described community clothing swaps, repair events and local collection efforts that would benefit from a stronger, coordinated system.

Committee members asked about the bill’s definition of “producer,” whether retailers could be treated as producers when manufacturers operate outside Washington, the expected number of PROs and the Ecology fiscal note. Staff and Ecology said the definition follows prior producer-responsibility laws and can make retailers or importers the obligated party depending on supply-chain facts; Ecology said it will provide additional detail on its fiscal note. Several lawmakers emphasized they viewed the bill as a starting point for stakeholder negotiations.

The hearing closed after panels of supporters and opponents; no committee vote on the bill was recorded in the transcript.

The bill’s timeline for registration, plan submission and implementation, and the topics listed for plans and oversight were presented repeatedly during the hearing; those scheduling and oversight elements remain central points for future negotiation.","A state House committee heard House Bill 1420, which would require textile and apparel producers to form a producer responsibility organization to manage post-consumer textiles, set collection and convenience standards, fund education and audits, and register with the Washington Department of Ecology.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6361569,"Committee reports two bills out with due-pass recommendations; amendments adopted for one",127,6298000,6425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2170563-4763815dbf8f708726027b7cba3d6cf8&start=6298&end=6425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2170563-4763815dbf8f708726027b7cba3d6cf8/thumbnail_6298000.jpg","/articles/6361569/Washington/Committee-reports-two-bills-out-with-due-pass-recommendations-amendments-adopted-for-one","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6361569-33966a60ca6ec12fa7d7926e5fdfa456/orig.mp4?Expires=1771107697&Signature=n7haX84S~ys7wzqOyQc06kpPDPMz8Xf8nEC74MGH~IRoAhDUntx3eXZZfiHCqeTcMDro0bh0fYiTZlscrJJumbLPQEo0Owa9poVKb7oX0mh3gWiafeOqpq0GDpMIek-D-epI2PI00mJcnTvEc-as833KysbKdsHaxTxjPZVplj1xivnvisFaKL0~TBep1BP0GFnHCRThVdC1HhT8CTvKxmfAT6lRvnZ54Aw33S68F7R9yE4IqK7RMBbCjD28Ip8nGx5-hjE33ej35ZISyc9N8x3VVP2aPnmgdweDP26ZWi4FALC4Y~dBjUtbh47m-zUGeemjmq9YL-Wd1ZDItQtSzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Environment & Energy Committee concluded business with two formal committee actions recorded in the transcript.

House Bill 1461
Vice Chair Mena moved that House Bill 1461 be reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff recorded the final roll as 20 ayes, 0 nays and 1 excused. Committee members described HB 1461 as a “good government” bill; the transcript records Representative Stearns offering a brief explanation that the bill brings joint operating agencies into parity with public utility districts on purchasing authority.

House Bill 1302 (substitute) and amendment Rama 4
Vice Chair Hunt moved adoption of amendment Rama 4 to House Bill 1302. The amendment clarifies and narrows the statutory definition of “industrial symbiosis” to ensure it recognizes collaboration among industrial entities and measurable environmental or greenhouse‑gas reductions. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. Vice Chair Hunt then moved that the adopted amendments be incorporated into substitute House Bill 1302 and that substitute bill be reported out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation. The motion carried by voice vote. Staff recorded the final roll as 20 ayes, 0 nays and 1 excused.

No other roll-call votes on bills were recorded in the provided transcript. The committee adjourned after these actions.","At the close of the meeting the House Environment & Energy Committee reported two bills out of committee with due-pass recommendations: House Bill 1461 (20–0–1 excused) and substitute House Bill 1302 with amendment Rama 4 (20–0–1 excused).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bill aims to boost reclaimed refrigerant supply, set phased limits on high‑GWP gases

Bill would require UTC review of investor-owned utilities’ wildfire plans within 60 days

Committee hears bill to require producer-run program for post-consumer textiles

Committee reports two bills out with due-pass recommendations; amendments adopted for one