“It is important to protect the
environment. However, the
fact that Washington state goes
beyond federal regulations with
no measurable environmental
benefit is hurting existing industry
and preventing new industry
from locating in the state.”
— Doug Krapas, Environmental Manager,
Inland Empire Paper Company, Spokane
Regulatory Environment
Washington state businesses are regulated by various local,
state and federal agencies. While regulations and oversight are
necessary, manufacturers in the state believe they are faced with
regulations and regulators that have more of a “how can we get
you?” attitude than a “how can we help you?” attitude. Attendees
told AWB the current regulatory environment makes it difficult
for businesses to expand or locate in the state of Washington.
One business stated
they have a need to expand
their facilities but they will
build a new facility in another
state because the regulatory
process in our state will delay
progress by up to two years.
During AWB’s regional meetings, one business stated they have a
need to expand their facilities but they will build a new facility in
another state because the regulatory process in our state will delay
progress by up to two years. Today, Washington small businesses
and major industries face a costly and expanding array of regulations
from all levels of government that is making it difficult for the industry
to grow. Washington state manufacturers attending AWB’s regional
manufacturing meetings identified the following concerns about the
regulatory environment in the state of Washington:
• Several Washington state regulators are extremely difficult
to work with.
• The fact that Washington state goes above and beyond the fed-
eral regulations is hurting existing industry and preventing new.
• Colorado Springs established a not-to-exceed time limit in
processing for the building authority. This process proved
effective in streamlining the regulatory process.