Washington Business 2019 Legislative Review & Vote Record | Page 21

issue area reports | environment
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien, chair of the House Environment & Energy Committee, speaks during AWB’s Lobby Lunch.
emissions when compared to a 100-year
timeframe used by other organizations
such as the the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change. While this bill did
not move past committee, it points to a
growing opposition to natural gas use in
the state among some legislators. AWB
opposed this bill.
ESSB 5993
reforming the model toxics
control program
Passed/AWB Opposed
Sponsored by Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle,
this bill proposed significant reforms to
the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA).
The biggest change was to shift the levy
of the hazardous substance tax (HST) on
petroleum products to a volumetric rate.
Bill considered as part of
AWB’s voting record
This change was not opposed by AWB or
other stakeholders but it was combined
with a 63% increase in the tax rate which
AWB opposed. In addition to the increase,
the HST now automatically increases
every biennium at a rate determined by
the U.S. Department of Commerce’s rate
of inflation. The bill also outlines the uses
of the MTCA tax and stipulates clearly what
funds may be used for. Protections for the
MTCA fund have been a longtime AWB goal
and the added protections will make future
diversions from the account more difficult.
The high tax increase coupled with the
automatic biennial tax increase are both
problems for Washington businesses. In a
session which already saw $1.1 billion in
new taxes over the next two years, a 63%
increase on refineries further jeopardizes
Favorable outcome for
Washington businesses
those key family wage jobs at those facilities.
AWB opposed the bill.
land use, water resources
and regulatory reform
ESB 5334
condo liability reform
Passed/AWB Supported
AWB supported Engrossed Senate Bill
5334, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Pedersen,
D-Seattle, which reforms condominium
liability for owners. ESB 5334 modified
the implied warranties for construction
in condominiums by requiring builders to
comply with Washington building codes
at the time of construction. The bill also
defines criteria for owners to establish an
alleged breach of warranty, and provides
Missed Opportunities
special edition 2019
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