LEGISLATIVE SESSION ADVOCACY: WEEK 5
Today is fiscal committee cutoff, when all bills must be out of their policy AND fiscal committees and headed to Rules - or they do not proceed. Below are key bills that need advocacy this week:
- HB 1767 Targeted Electrification
- HB 1770 Reaching Higher: Stronger Energy Codes
- SB 5722: Building Performance Standards Expansion
- Contact your senator to let them know of your support for SB 5722. SB 5722 is currently in Senate Ways & Means and needs to be voted out by today, Feb 7 to proceed.
Other bills of interest:
- HB 1619: Appliance Efficiency Standards. Expanding and updating standards for certain equipment and appliances.
Thank you for all you do!
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COMMENT PERIOD OPEN ON STATE ENERGY CODE
The State Building Code Council (SBCC) is considering key proposals that would dramatically reduce emissions from new commercial buildings by restricting fossil fuel equipment and requiring clean, efficient heat pumps for space and water heating. If successful, Washington would lead the nation on state level building electrification codes.
The public comment period is open now through March 11, 2022, and a broad range of voices from across the state is needed to show strong support for these energy code proposals that will help Washington move away from fossil fuels in new commercial buildings. See our advocacy overview for ways to engage.
The SBCC needs to hear directly from building industry professionals about why all-electric new commercial buildings are a robust and market-ready solution. Email comments directly to sbcc@des.wa.gov, and blind copy/bcc: rachel@shiftzero.org. Thank you!
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LOCAL POLICY ACTION
Cities and counties in Washington are acting to reduce building emissions to meet their own climate and emission reduction goals, reduce maintenance and operational costs, and prioritize public health and safety.
The city of Olympia unanimously passed and finalized a resolution to electrify all new city-owned buildings and pursue pathways for electrification of all new buildings citywide. More info.
Bellingham will likely become Washington’s fifth city to move on cutting building emissions, as the City Council is poised to vote Monday, February 7 on an ordinance requiring efficient electric appliances and solar-readiness of all new commercial and large multifamily buildings. The King County Council is set to take up a similar policy updating code for commercial buildings early this year.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Seattle Clean Buildings Accelerator: The City of Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment has posted an RFP for a consultant team to run a Seattle Clean Buildings Accelerator – Building Owner Technical Support program. Proposals due by Feb 23.
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JOB OPENINGS
- Economic Inclusion Manager - Northwest Region, Emerald Cities Collaborative. More info.
- Building and Energy Program Director, Thurston Climate Action Team. More info.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
- Feb 8: Overextended: It's Time to Rethink Subsidized Gas Line Extensions, RMI. Register.
- Feb 10: Bellevue Clean Buildings Incentive Program, Register.
- Feb 16: Clean Hydrogen - Blue vs Green Hydrogen and its role in our energy future, Electrify Now. Register.
- Feb 17 and 24: Building Electrification & Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings, Smart Buildings Center, Register.
- Feb 27: Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Workshop for Solar Professionals, Olympia Community Solar, Register.
- Mar 10: Seattle 2030 District Vision Awards, More info.
Code Trainings:
- All 2018 WSEC-R trainings and videos, WSU Energy Program's Training page.
- Ongoing: Earth Advantage's Sustainable Homes Professional training. New online, on-demand format for the entire NW region. Register.
- Ongoing: Chasing Opportunities in the Washington Energy Code, Watch the videos anytime on BetterBuiltNW’s Youtube Channel.
- On the Level Series: Three-part series on Exterior Air Barriers, Balanced Ventilation and ERVs/HRVs. Register.
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