State Senate

Chair Fitzgibbon,

Thank you for your dedication to pursuing the Low Carbon Fuel Standard for our state. While we sometimes disagree on the methods, we all share a commitment to ensuring our state does its part in reducing our carbon footprint to address climate change.

As you know, HB 1091 passed the Senate Thursday night on a vote of 27-20. Our five votes represent more than the margin of passage and it is crucial that you know the changes made to the legislation in the Senate were integral to our support for the bill. We worked closely with our partners in the Building Trades to make sure all voices were heard.

As we likely head to conference, these are the Senate changes to the legislation that must stay in the final bill to earn our support:

• Ensure that this policy does not dramatically increase the cost of fuel, which is a burden that will likely fall on consumers and disproportionately impact those who can least afford it. • Ensure that Washington State benefits from the jobs created by the additional money that will be spent by consumers on low carbon fuels. This includes new biofuel facilities in Washington and an assurance that some of the crops used to make those fuels come from our state. • The bill must maintain a link to the transportation package. • Maintain the legislative review beyond the 10% threshold so that elected officials can weigh the efficiency of the policy after implementation.

Addressing our climate impacts doesn’t have to be just a bitter pill. With the Senate amendments, we can show Washington residents that they benefit directly from doing the hard work of reducing our carbon footprint.

Thank you,

Senator Senator 5th Legislative District 11th Legislative District

Senator Senator 49th Legislative District 24th Legislative District

Senator Steve Conway 29th Legislative District

Supported by:

Mark L. Riker, Executive Secretary Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO

Neil Hartman, Government Affairs Director Washington State Association of the United Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry

Josh Swanson, Political and Communications Representative International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302

Matt Swanson, Political Director Northwest Carpenters Union

Billy Wallace Jr., Political & Legislative Director Washington & Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers