The Washington State legislative session continues to march forward and Shift Zero has been in Olympia to help support progressive building policies! There is lots of action and momentum, but remember that contacting your legislators is important – let them know which policies you think they should advance in a few quick sentences.
 
Important Dates: Friday, February 22 is the last day to pass bills out of policy committees in the house of origin. March 1 is the last day to consider bills in fiscal committees. The last day to consider bills in their respective house of origin is March 13, and session is over at the end of April.
 
Clean Buildings for Washington Act
The Clean Buildings for Washington Act (SB 5293 / HB 1257) advances a slate of progressive building policies. Both the House and the Senate policy committees have advanced the bill, and it will now have hearings in the fiscal committees this week. Shift Zero members have provided supportive testimony and letters during these hearings.
 
C-PACER Financing
C-PACER (HB 1796 / SB 5293) had its first hearing last week in the House Local Government Committee, with strong support from multiple stakeholders. A committee vote is expected this week.
 
Other Bills
Shift Zero endorsed Front and Centered’s Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act. This bill would define environmental justice for state agencies, creating a foundation and pathway for all communities to benefit from environmental policy. Learn more
 
Shift Zero submitted a letter of opposition on SB 5634, which would have moved the cycle of building code updates in Washington from every three years to every five years, slowing down progress in all aspects of the building code, including the energy code. That bill has not progressed, but we will continue watch it and update you.