[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,88,100,111],{"_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",6339756,"mediaKeyId","2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18","parentId",2260793,"title","Committee holds hearing on HB 1819 to encourage reconductoring and speed permitting for transmission upgrades","audioSeconds",1319,"startMs",1778000,"endMs",3097000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18&start=1778&end=3097","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18/thumbnail_1778000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6339756/Washington/Committee-holds-hearing-on-HB-1819-to-encourage-reconductoring-and-speed-permitting-for-transmission-upgrades","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339756-82c80553dfcd6e95f16f4869da55130c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983942&Signature=GCXaPuavX--Q1vt6gzXzJ7zM7xZWCvILnJlEZ-b4xcLpk8OmgMkn~WLx1csqW0cFjMcTeDxgrRsbv7No5MVYb-lSB~7wo~IN~OpeoQ~uvvrVL0OPY~K9D~3b5T3X7thF9-Cy6IF-ygwvvYkihYnVTaTGF0KH07AzLXDmCK2VtEb6L6lOzjVB44WCL8DQo5NMub~D3MIBKorIyx1MVQbtR7yb6Cz8dgTGyLGMU-gxJ8M~aPqOs7Ykb5eyB1TNUqjj7inDB1U1NognEU3SRL88Habbi3Wb0PDDQ2CSC-x0y0ZktCIHBGa6SI71gYlIOmUjiX9xdeJlcUIY3OiNxEhGGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Environment & Energy","date","2025-02-11T00:00:00Z","article","House Bill 1819, introduced to address transmission congestion and increase capacity on existing corridors, received a public hearing before the House Environment & Energy Committee.

Representative Ed Barnard, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure would (1) require utilities to assess where advanced conductors could increase capacity, (2) create a narrow SEPA categorical exemption for reconductoring projects within existing rights-of-way, and (3) authorize an up-to-2% additional rate of return for utilities that invest in reconductoring new projects. \"We need more power on our grid,\" Representative Barnard said. \"This bill does three things to help get more power down existing transmission lines.\"

Megan McFadden, committee staff, summarized the bill's key provisions, including a UTC reporting requirement before 02/1930 on the use of incentives and an exemption for reconductoring within existing disturbed rights-of-way.

Testimony included utilities, trades and environmental groups. Nicholas Garcia of the Washington Public Utility District Association said reconductoring can help address overuse of existing transmission and supported the bill. Jason Hudson of IBEW Local 77 urged stronger specificity in the required transmission assessment and a clear definition of \"reconductoring with advanced conductors,\" and supported including height in the categorical exemption. Maggie Douglas (Public Service Company/PSC) likewise supported the categorical exemption and suggested aligning with federal exemptions adopted in April 2024. Climate and clean-energy groups supported the bill's intent but asked for tribal consultation language and refinements to protect cultural and sensitive resources.

Opponents and commenters raised concerns about section 2's permissive 2% rate of return. Peter Godlowski (Association of Washington Business) and the Alliance of Western Energy Consumers urged removing or refining the incentive language, arguing it could shift costs to ratepayers; the Alliance provided committee members with an analysis estimating substantial rate impacts if investor-owned utilities undertook reconductoring at scale under a 2% add-on. Sponsor Barnard said she is open to stakeholder input, including possible alternatives such as construction-work-in-progress cost recovery.

Committee members asked technical questions about how changes in land use, archaeological finds or water-covered areas would interact with the proposed categorical exemption. Representative Klobach (committee member) raised concerns about changed conditions since original corridor approvals; the sponsor said the exemption is targeted to previously disturbed land and that she is willing to work with agencies to refine language.

No final committee vote occurred for HB 1819 during the hearing; the hearing record closed after testimony concluded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Environment & Energy - 2/11/2025 4:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 1819, proposing reconductoring of existing transmission lines with advanced conductors and a narrow SEPA exemption, received a public hearing and broad stakeholder comment before the House Environment & Energy Committee.","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},6339761,"Committee rejects amendment but reports House Bill 1303 on SEPA and environmental justice, 12-7",533,859000,1392000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18&start=859&end=1392","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18/thumbnail_859000.jpg","/articles/6339761/Washington/Committee-rejects-amendment-but-reports-House-Bill-1303-on-SEPA-and-environmental-justice-12-7","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339761-a6eaab3a4cf8877f016022ea11477678/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983942&Signature=oJJmeDE1M1igYYIuYS3dcvUjuhbcSLrhUE7dyBsrz-1ex~2tmGnt5-GvAGKGACL3VEhyqDYvBYNIxFMJQUXTlQZlhfi7XtXfVW0RE3RiV94d27JHTd0Og9Y~~gsSDlATUgzzysYT06Rtb3OxaPzK9D4bDy3qGnRfXhOriXit8nsU8f~u8mRuc0AWmAI889AXClBLLIR0BdZWG~wba3JtylLWuqk52uzScPzXre-VQHk1R7jJ9lhyeKm5dUj1JGHiuzXzbv-n-QB42inrcWnnGcCP6Jq8YX3Tm7uL5aU~uH~f1KdZrbte2400pcO4-jM0ytTSCRj~McXcPi-rkaM5Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Environment & Energy Committee voted to report House Bill 1303 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation; staff announced the vote as 12 ayes, 7 nays, 2 excused.

An amendment (H1330.1) that would have required cumulative-impact consideration of large-scale wind and solar development on open space, farmland and rural communities failed on a voice vote and then in the recorded vote. Representative Dye, who moved the amendment, argued that land-use disruptions from large renewable projects have caused economic distress in rural communities and asked for SEPA to include cumulative-impact and environmental-justice review. \"This amendment simply asks us to consider the cumulative impacts of large scale development of wind and solar across open space, wildlands, and farmlands,\" Representative Dye said, describing lease-driven land-price effects and concerns about long-term decommissioning.

Representative Bridal (opposing the amendment) and other members urged a data-driven approach. Bridal said the amendment was not the right vehicle and asked the committee to reject it while continuing to pursue environmental-justice questions through other means.

After the amendment failed, committee members debated the underlying bill. Representative Mena, a supporter, characterized the bill as a step toward recognizing harms pollution causes and said the measure would mark \"the first time that we really stop to look at the impacts on people in the SEPA process.\" Opponents including Representative Abel expressed concern about additional burdens on local jurisdictions and urged a no vote.

Staff called a roll and announced the final tally as 12 ayes, 7 nays, 2 excused. By that vote, House Bill 1303 was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

The committee record shows both substantial policy debate and competing perspectives on whether SEPA changes should focus on data-driven statewide processes or include localized cumulative-impact reviews for rural communities and renewables siting.","House Bill 1303, a measure to add environmental-justice considerations to state SEPA review, was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. An amendment to require cumulative-impact review of large-scale renewable development was defeated before the bill passed the committee by the same 12-7 margin.",{"_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},6339764,"Committee backs substitute House Bill 1071 requiring recycling needs assessment, 19-0",379,462000,841000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18&start=462&end=841","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18/thumbnail_462000.jpg","/articles/6339764/Washington/Committee-backs-substitute-House-Bill-1071-requiring-recycling-needs-assessment-19-0","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339764-dae265e358e95f5e6bb8d07d6b7d4bb6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983942&Signature=i2SWzTrDaq3XkW6gPYU~jZUw-jjNBtvb1d64Vusch7JlQuBg6QS~fslITTiB9EoLKOgKu86fERXkpXCwNiFRk43Pwv6pz8niuDnz1nLZBoQC~VaveoMQ-HNsJ3ZoLMb2mS5-pPofCiAntyF9rXl7gsbIrYX~6XFaWx~HG3cYgu2YQjFAE0mBn8egTG-PHvNsUQlrzUWYo20cl7g5t8Zflu7Nk5OMwKY7eXqioZ~HjyQzy7xhT6Uq-q6gXCPImJGpXZZdTvwJ8z91~DNOo~xe1aidsi0agLkMVMQiOAMVWiHrzvV8m~8u9YeWEnqOrJ5TISO2CYCQs5vCTKUfP0D~zA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Environment & Energy Committee voted to report substitute House Bill 1071 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation; staff announced the tally as 19 ayes, 2 excused.

Representative Fye (sponsor of the substitute) described the substitute as focused on a statewide needs assessment to ensure recycling investments work in diverse communities across Washington. \"What works in Curlew doesn't work in Clarkston or other places across the state of Washington,\" Representative Fye said, explaining that the assessment should inform when and where investments are necessary.

Representative Bernard (speaking in favor) urged support while noting the substitute is not perfect but said the needs-assessment step would give more Washingtonians a seat at the table and help the state get policy decisions closer to right before seeking major budget commitments.

Committee staff conducted a roll-call vote after discussion; the staff announced 19 ayes and 2 excused. The committee reported the substitute to the next stage with a due-pass recommendation.

The substitute, as described in committee, prioritizes a needs assessment to guide any statewide recycling program rollout, with the intent of accounting for diverse geographic and operational realities across Washington communities.","The committee reported substitute House Bill 1071 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. Sponsor emphasized a statewide needs assessment to tailor recycling investments to local conditions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6339770,"Committee reports substitute House Bill 1150 to expand recycling access, 12-7",0,904000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18&start=904&end=904","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18/thumbnail_904000.jpg","/articles/6339770/Washington/Committee-reports-substitute-House-Bill-1150-to-expand-recycling-access-12-7","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339770-798c4455c8167d2eaf331ff2c688180d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983942&Signature=hH7Tt~YqX7bI549K2eqFgaoHst3~qttZ-aeo~Akx4aB2mCN5bxzGGBedAXF1QEId-qrgvo1uOgLfcuix6WZu-70HoP~tUe4Qgm7r-zeqZhYI565GHsTNCIBXb4Tc7SsRfxIxLK-7F6N5feh~8ns-Yuzyf0BR5YMTCqBmBzvXTklefr5aC-GHued9s7uqsy7MWARwPKKZ2G0GdN5VIBGaLyDpEmNFLAXBI-Bv~1lAlFI2NQXW5z5j1NAQRtZ50AxytqY3omB2re0fOJgm09tfPyhm4CbwN2CVEyUAC6ou2cafweD4syf3AqTw6iEUWZBMWkP2ban5zeVMa-jK3nc0Zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At an executive session of the House Environment & Energy Committee, members voted 12-7, with two excused, to report substitute House Bill 1150 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

Representative Stevie Berry, who offered the substitute, said the bill is intended to raise residential recycling rates and hold producers accountable for packaging. \"This bill will expand curbside recycling service to 11 rural counties that currently do not have it and multifamily households,\" Representative Berry said. She also said the bill \"will make sure that companies finally have a financial incentive to reduce the amount of packaging that they use and move towards more sustainable materials.\" Representative Berry added, \"This bill will increase recycling from 40 to 66% by 02/1932.\"

A committee member representing the Seventeenth District voiced concerns that costs could fall to consumers, calling parts of the bill \"kind of a regressive tax\" and asking where collection infrastructure would be placed in very rural communities. That member urged a \"no\" vote while acknowledging support for the bill's intent to reduce litter and improve recycling convenience.

The motion to report the proposed substitute was made and seconded by committee leadership and moved to a roll-call vote. Staff announced the final tally as 12 ayes, 7 nays, 2 excused; by that vote the substitute was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

The bill, as described in committee, would (per Representative Berry's summary) expand curbside recycling to specified rural counties, include multifamily households, and create financial incentives for producers to reduce packaging. Committee discussion referenced other producer-responsibility laws in Canada, Europe and several U.S. states as precedent.

Votes at a glance: Substitute House Bill 1150 — reported out of committee (do pass recommendation); committee tally announced: 12 ayes, 7 nays, 2 excused.

No floor action or implementation timeline was decided in the committee meeting; the committee forwarded the bill to the next step in the legislative process.","The House Environment & Energy Committee voted to report substitute House Bill 1150 out of committee with a \"do pass\" recommendation. Sponsor Representative Berry said the measure would expand curbside recycling, include multifamily housing and create producer incentives to reduce packaging.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6339751,"Committee hears House Bill 1857 to exempt naturally occurring asbestos in commercial aggregates",585,3100000,3685000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18&start=3100&end=3685","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260793-59d466f51854bd86dfc0c7fb61473d18/thumbnail_3100000.jpg","/articles/6339751/Washington/Committee-hears-House-Bill-1857-to-exempt-naturally-occurring-asbestos-in-commercial-aggregates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339751-778833ca6ff60f55e663d3f4a2a9e357/orig.mp4?Expires=1770983942&Signature=BtdRSjwVHvfzWYKB-xlAIOwvkj2Gun25O2JJFaVVnriN3BKOfmBXK88lhth~FaFIyedsPVD2q1nIM4DstWjTy79rDMb1pw3glAY4pRXcDuQ1g7KQ78aRxDS6E4JAB9dyhfQBLLB3w8tnSWIIxqsNMtapwLG7VjnIcPlUcTryuGmeeVdrRNJl~YeEAS8Rmbc2diJ1xqmDvgMek-~XzU49S-U82zPa7QPrjhMCGLWRO4EtyA5SJt1nIT626lrHsNuYYMvRfqjc-aPBXn15eRTP82qMhCmT-psNsygrw8CwOTIumjwiYHm1-h1EQ-jSn8qtoepJ4VT7gCTIT4vFCjj1Eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 1857 received a public hearing in the House Environment & Energy Committee. Sponsor Representative Lee described the bill as a technical clarification to avoid unintended consequences of a prior law that restricted asbestos-containing building materials. \"This is about rocks and aggregates that are used in construction,\" Representative Lee said, arguing that naturally occurring asbestos in aggregate is present at low concentrations and that an exemption would enable local use of aggregate and lower construction costs.

Michael Tran, representing the Aggregate and Concrete Association, said the industry was concerned that the 2020 enactment of the Building Material Enabling Act inadvertently covered naturally occurring asbestos in rock used for aggregate. He said other jurisdictions including California and Canada provide exemptions for naturally occurring asbestos and called for parity to avoid large cost and supply impacts to construction.

Ray Dumas, representing Operative Plasters and Cement Masons Local 528, supported the bill as a clarifying amendment that would align commercial aggregate usage with residential aggregate practices.

Heather (Zero Waste Washington), a geologist, testified in opposition unless the bill were tightened. She said naturally occurring asbestos exists in pockets but cautioned that the current bill language lacked bounds and could allow material with higher asbestos content to be used without clear concentration limits. \"I would be okay with this bill if it was significantly bounded and not just sort of the way it is worded right now,\" she said.

Committee members asked for comparative statutory language from California and other jurisdictions; Representative Klobach asked the sponsor to provide the exemption language used elsewhere. No committee vote occurred at the hearing; the committee closed the record and adjourned.

Testimony focused on balancing construction-cost and supply concerns for locally sourced aggregates against worker- and community-health precautions in demolition and reuse of concrete.","House Bill 1857 would exempt naturally occurring asbestos in commercial aggregates, asphalt and concrete materials from some prohibitions established under the Building Material Enabling Act; industry and labor supported the bill as a clarification, while public-health advocates urged tighter bounds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee holds hearing on HB 1819 to encourage reconductoring and speed permitting for transmission upgrades

Committee rejects amendment but reports House Bill 1303 on SEPA and environmental justice, 12-7

Committee backs substitute House Bill 1071 requiring recycling needs assessment, 19-0

Committee reports substitute House Bill 1150 to expand recycling access, 12-7

Committee hears House Bill 1857 to exempt naturally occurring asbestos in commercial aggregates