OLYMPIA, Wash.- A policy which would streamline Washington’s transition away from energies which contribute to climate change has passed the State House and is currently awaiting a reading by the Senate Rules Committee.
HB 1589 builds on the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) which passed the state legislature in 2019. CETA requires that the state phase out all reliance upon energies which create greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of the century.
The new bill would direct the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) to streamline the process for utility companies reporting the resources which comprise their energy output.
Representative Beth Doglio (D), the policy’s primary sponsor, illustrated the intent of the bill in an update to her constituents on Feb. 15.
“This bill establishes processes for Puget Sound Energy – the state’s largest gas and electric company – to consolidate planning requirements, invest in clean energy infrastructure, transition low-income families’ homes to electric appliances and mandates labor requirements for large utility projects,” Doglio said.
The policy passed the House without Republican support in addition to 4 no votes from Democratic representatives.
It now awaits placement on the Senate floor calendar by the Rules Committee.
