Transit and climate advocates urged the House Transportation Committee to protect and scale Climate Commitment Act (CCA) investments for transit, zero‑emission vehicle incentives and school buses.
Nut graf: Witnesses said the public affirmed CCA commitments at the ballot and the legislature should maintain the programmatic spending promises for bus and facility investments, zero‑emission medium and heavy‑duty vehicle vouchers and clean school bus programs included in the governor's budget.
Justin Lighten, executive director of the Washington State Transit Association, said CCA dedicates a portion of auction revenue to public transit and urged the committee to resolve a $12,000,000 shortfall in a green transportation grant program caused by fund‑transfer expirations. He also asked the legislature to reauthorize projects paused at the start of the year because of funding uncertainties. Liam (Leah) Messick of Climate Solutions and other advocates asked lawmakers to scale the governor's proposed $200,000,000 for the 0‑emission medium and heavy‑duty vehicle voucher program to meet demand and praised included funds for clean school buses.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance and port representatives urged continued CCA support for port electrification grants and zero‑emission heavy‑duty programs to help decarbonize freight operations.
Ending: Advocates asked the committee to protect CCA commitments in statute and the budget, reauthorize paused projects, and scale vehicle and school bus programs so investments deliver climate and air‑quality benefits as intended.