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washington energy spotlight
Group outlines plan for EV truck infrastructure
A group of West Coast utilities are collaborating on long-term planning for an interstate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for EV trucks in hopes that the move will encourage a shift toward clean energy in the transportation sector. A new study released by the West Coast Clean Transit Corridor Initiative envisions 27 charging stations along […]
guest opinion
Law requires across-board budget cuts
There are two legal options to respond to a state budget deficit: The governor orders across the board budget cuts, or a special session of the Legislature occurs liquidating the deficit. The first is a blunt instrument allowing no thoughtful response. The second provides the people’s legislative branch of government the opportunity to deliberate a […]
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Energy & Environment
EPA draft rule could undermine lower Snake River dam operations
While a new environmental impact statement (EIS) by three government agencies operating the lower Snake River dams opposes breaching them to aid salmon recovery,...
Department of Energy joins Hydropower Research Institute
Several years ago a group of public and private utilities along with several federal government agencies formed the Hydropower Research Institute (HRI), a data-sharing,...
Education
B&O tax hike for higher education?
The House Appropriations Committee has voted in favor of a bill imposing a business and occupation (B&O) surcharge on various businesses with the money...
Legislature revises graduation requirements
The Washington legislature has overwhelmingly approved a bill that eliminates certain high school graduation requirements regarding state assessments. Supporters say it will encourage stronger...
Growth
Seattle City Council approves new payroll tax
Just over two years after passing and repealing a job tax ordinance, the Seattle City Council voted at a July 6 meeting in favor...
High court to decide I-976 fate
The state Supreme Court will decide the fate of Initiative 976 sponsored by Tim Eyman, following oral arguments at a June 30 hearing and...
Healthcare
Inslee signs plastic bag ban despite COVID-19 concerns with reusable bags
Governor Jay Inslee has signed into law ESSB 5323 which bans the use of plastic bags, even though other states around the country are...
Industry responds with resources
In response to the coronavirus causing COVID-19, industry leaders throughout the state are mobilizing communications channels to provide resources and issue guidance for both...
Work group divided over universal healthcare
The state Universal Health Care Work Group has released its initial report to the legislature on the idea of a single-payer or “universal” state...
Business
State tourism branding efforts complicated by pandemic
The state economic shutdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has only complicated efforts by the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority (WTMA) to promote the...
Could JBLM relocate to accommodate a future airport?
The Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Aviation Coordination Commission over the next two years must come up with several potential locations for a...
Unfunded liability drops as committee recommends lower pension rates
The state Select Committee on Pension Policy has voted to lower the assumed rate of return for the state’s public pension investments from 7.5...