2023 AWB Legislative Review | Page 39

issue area reports | transportation
Rep . Jake Fey , D-Tacoma , ( left ) chairs the House Transportation Committee and Rep . Andrew Barkis , R-Olympia , is the panel ’ s ranking member .
HB 1791 airport siting study
Passed / AWB Neutral sponsor : Rep . Jake Fey , D-Tacoma
This bill creates a new airport siting process as commercial aviation demand continues to grow in Washington . The bill was introduced following public backlash over three recommended sites for new airports . The bill replaces the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission with a Commercial Aviation Work Group , changing the scope of the search process . The final legislation passed the Senate 31-17 and the House 91-6 . Gov . Jay Inslee issued a partial veto of the bill , emphasizing the need to expand capacity at existing airports before considering siting a new airport .
HB 1084 freight mobility and strategic investment board
Passed / AWB Neutral sponsor : Rep . Jake Fey , D-Tacoma
This bill reforms the scope and authority of the Freight Mobility and Strategic Investment Board . The bill removes grant authority and instead requires the board to create and maintain a sixyear investment program under certain criteria . The bill also adds five members to the board representing the package delivery industry , environmental interests , overburdened communities , a labor member representing the freight sector , and a member representing heavy highway construction . Both chambers unanimously passed the bill .
SB 5447 sustainable aviation fuels
Passed / AWB Supported sponsor : Sen . Andy Billig , D-Spokane
An AWB-priority bill , SB 5447 aims to spur a new sustainable aviation fuel industry in Washington . Low-carbon SAF fuels are in high demand and considered crucial for the aviation industry to meet their zero-carbon commitments . But supply remains limited and SAF can be twice as expensive as conventional jet fuel . This bill will provide tax incentives and credits to both producers and customers of SAF . This measure received broad support from businesses and organized labor . Both chambers unanimously voted for the final bill . Since the bill ’ s passage , at least
Bill considered as part of AWB ’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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