[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6104610,"mediaKeyId","2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946","parentId",2790433,"title","Senate committee hears bill to exempt low‑asbestos commercial aggregates from some labeling and inspection rules","audioSeconds",2826,"startMs",61000,"endMs",2887000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946&start=61&end=2887","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946/thumbnail_61000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6104610/Washington/Senate-committee-hears-bill-to-exempt-lowasbestos-commercial-aggregates-from-some-labeling-and-inspection-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104610-95bb08281be10590de52f513281f4952/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979322&Signature=dDrMpJPnSAKjf9lFXolallbrUN6aKOM74jKoqMem90WzgaICYZNppeq0WhEkMNSChgAQMSAXf-6HuQR~DRKwTZfUJ4T1xaEH0FHROH03SEWTkQCI2CsR53ZgfE0QqXueGNOt6NODeBP9zxMs2tOSJhJuobQCy9F769bg36VACqIDAHRyNwbXyrP9KWz192ku9uaQFKO8xOeIsoThPiYRokJ44wuNEz6MAMD6UwmEh1vH7lL~alhceB8Km0dWH-5y4nJrw5mbl5SXsWyJ~ysMOOqb3PT9ALA27vLKOKgau26weZ0qM6Zqi0F1Dey0UPuW147UzE0nx8qSr2i4~52YTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate Environment, Energy & Technology","date","2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","article","At a public hearing of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, staff summarized Substitute House Bill 1857, which would exempt commercial aggregates containing naturally occurring asbestos at 0.25% or less from particular labeling requirements and some inspection and asbestos‑management obligations.

Alicia Kinney Clauson, staff to the committee, told members the bill ‘‘establishes exemptions related to the use of commercial aggregates in building materials and certain asbestos inspection requirements’’ and noted the Department of Labor & Industries and the Department of Ecology currently regulate asbestos in different contexts. She said a fiscal note is available and that the bill “has no fiscal impact.”

Rep. John Lee, prime sponsor, said the measure is intended to allow locally sourced rock to be used in construction without triggering what he described as ‘‘onerous’’ requirements that have forced some producers to import cleaner aggregate from far away. ‘‘This bill's about rocks — it's about aggregates,’’ Lee said, adding that allowing a very small naturally occurring asbestos content would reduce hauling costs and ease construction affordability pressures.

Supporters from industry and labor said the exemption clarifies existing confusion and avoids added costs. Michael Transt, representing the Aggregates & Concrete Association, said asbestos appears naturally in some Washington rock and that worker protections already exist under OSHA and mining safety rules. Ray Dumas of Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 528 said a modest increase to 0.25% ‘‘would help alleviate disruptions or potential unintended cost drivers to building materials like concrete.’’ Heather Tran of 0 Waste Washington said the bill’s 0.25% standard was acceptable but requested identical language be carried through every relevant section of the bill.

No formal vote or committee action was recorded in the hearing; the transcript shows a public hearing was held and then suspended for subsequent business.

Proponents and staff repeatedly emphasized the bill addresses ‘‘naturally occurring’’ asbestos in aggregates and does not authorize adding asbestos to manufactured products. Committee staff noted statutory roles for the Department of Labor & Industries and the Department of Ecology in related regulation.

The discussion included requests for a technical clean‑up to ensure identical thresholds appear in all affected sections of the bill and assurances that existing workplace safety rules remain applicable.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Environment, Energy & Technology - 3/26/2025 8:00 AM","oneSentenceSummary","At a public hearing of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, staff summarized Substitute House Bill 1857, which would exempt commercial aggregates containing naturally occurring asbestos at 0.25% or less from certain labeling and inspection requirements.","taxTitle","Environment, Energy & Technology, Senate, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20502,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6104589,"Senate committee hears bill to speed reconductoring by creating categorical SEPA exemption for certain upgrades",1403,2216000,3619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946&start=2216&end=3619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946/thumbnail_2216000.jpg","/articles/6104589/Washington/Senate-committee-hears-bill-to-speed-reconductoring-by-creating-categorical-SEPA-exemption-for-certain-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104589-db59ee2e68e13fa6b5bfcea58c0d6e25/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979322&Signature=e0MeJDIFT4KU~-jYzupjgTKPms7RU6fOEYIJWOhA7EkXcc2pSKaMEF7p6ZYJ177n3tvMs4sMDNHBpl8RJffOyPP0NxzNmRNr6vcgssQg6QjU2N~mLWlhLByOnlqdeMGew5fABXXFuSebNiWn0JZ9tQuWMVdomgu6CktPgw9v6NE5RZtkjT-XucumKC8JcAv47XR8HL~eJISj8Z2i~Fgm0FeSAtEDiHIe75fuyn7SKakaSXzDqiiOKpEmMXDWeiLEdVlSwcwo79HU8AShcejZBpXq0YKcO-Yoip6Ad-uJwsjrcRBFL48~CJYSZ3-36w89ELiWOOO-Gor~Ix8nAINsDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee heard public testimony on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1819, which would add a categorical exemption to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) for certain utility actions that upgrade or rebuild existing electric power lines within existing rights‑of‑way or previously disturbed lands.

Committee staff explained the exemption covers upgrading or rebuilding lines, including limited relocations or right‑of‑way widening to meet current electrical standards, provided the work occurs in previously disturbed or developed lands. Staff described exceptions: the exemption would not apply where a series of exempt actions together have a probable significant adverse environmental impact, where work occurs in lands covered by water, or where related actions collectively require environmental review. For categorically exempt projects, utilities must notify the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation and federally recognized tribes where the right‑of‑way exists; DAHP may require surveys and consultation.

Sponsor Rep. Stephanie Barnard framed the bill as a near‑term tool to increase transmission capacity more quickly than building new lines, citing studies that reconductoring can double capacity on existing rights‑of‑way in 18–36 months. Multiple utilities and public‑power groups testified in support, describing transmission shortfalls and saying reconductoring is among the fastest, least‑cost ways to add capacity. Puget Sound Energy said reconductoring helps meet growing demand and that reconductoring projects already occur frequently; representatives asked for follow‑up on how much time SEPA relief would save in practice. The Nature Conservancy supported the approach and urged pairing it with broader transmission policies; CTC Global (an advanced‑conductor manufacturer) requested language to encourage use of advanced carbon‑composite conductors to maximize capacity gains and mitigate sag and wildfire risk.

Public Utility Districts and business groups also supported the bill; several witnesses estimated reconductoring could advance project completion by roughly two years compared with current permitting timelines. The hearing record shows many registered proponents and no recorded opponents; staff closed the public hearing with no committee vote recorded in the transcript.","House Bill 1819 would create a categorical exemption under the State Environmental Policy Act for reconductoring or rebuilding existing power lines within existing rights‑of‑way in previously disturbed lands, while requiring tribal and archaeological notifications; utilities and conservation groups testified in support.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6104594,"Right‑to‑repair bill receives broad support at Senate hearing after House passage",3379,1867000,5246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946&start=1867&end=5246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946/thumbnail_1867000.jpg","/articles/6104594/Washington/Righttorepair-bill-receives-broad-support-at-Senate-hearing-after-House-passage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104594-0a3a3e3ba2f0640747574763b320ee2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979322&Signature=LTQo3324okRKhUne7wKxXHa1MW1EYAKZn0sFQ4obC8yuTwWVGeRFMP35j5qxfgLhVwWPyNidurL3Ot6SUfWwt~OD-pU1kqy8h2MXAtqYC0DNDuPGwADQ8HiKfoM5yfQHlzbkACwUkKQKrp8TqhEQ8Tv83Vu9SHIzl6R2KwyOha7fVi0BfRUO1h7AP~OZ2z79ZoT8KxjCG9KpcFTXuPCsJSmxZ7vKamXHSakqSVxoqY7Cxl~ZMvIGB4fN1anHghIl2eKNoHfzfK9peDvRjS2uFTXEZr-sZSt6jFSrucwSlppqpu~qh7CIoqJYW6oiiOnZ3UU3v4NukLyABblm--nxdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee heard testimony on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1483, the proposed Right to Repair Act for digital electronic products.

Alicia Kinney Clauson, committee staff, summarized the bill’s core provisions: beginning Jan. 1, 2026, an original manufacturer must make parts, tools and documentation available on fair and reasonable terms for diagnosis, maintenance and repair of covered digital electronic products first manufactured or first sold or used in Washington. The staff briefing described limits on parts pairing that prevent replacement part installation and noted exemptions for motor vehicles, agricultural equipment, power and solar equipment and certain life‑safety devices. Enforcement is provided through the state Attorney General under the Consumer Protection Act; the attorney general’s fiscal estimate for 2025–27 was quoted in the briefing.

Sponsor Rep. Mia Gregerson said the measure is ‘‘targeted legislation’’ focusing on electronics and emphasized negotiated amendments that removed medical devices and certain safety systems from the bill’s scope. ‘‘We all own our devices. We struggle to keep them in working order,’’ Gregerson said, arguing the bill advances fairness and accessibility for consumers and small repair businesses.

Multiple consumer‑advocacy and repair‑industry witnesses testified in support. Heather Trim of 0 Waste Washington urged passage as a circular‑economy and climate measure. Charlie Fisher of Washington PIRG cited polling showing broad public support and estimated large household savings if repairs replace new purchases. Sean Sullivan of Google said the company ‘‘strongly supports HB 1483’’ and praised the bill as an inclusive compromise. Small repair‑shop owners testified that access to schematics and parts keeps repairs economically viable and helps consumers make informed decisions about purchases.

Industry witnesses that manufacture electronics endorsed the bill with suggested technical amendments; Lenovo requested alignment of timing and documentation requirements with recently passed laws in other states. Medical‑device manufacturers thanked the sponsor for the bill’s exemption for FDA‑regulated devices and said they are working on clarifying language.

The hearing record shows large numbers of registered supporters who did not testify in person; the committee suspended the public hearing after testimony. No formal committee vote is recorded in the transcript.","Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1483 would require original manufacturers to make parts, tools and documentation available to independent repair providers and owners for many digital electronic products beginning Jan. 1, 2026; the bill includes multiple exemptions and enforcement through the Consumer Protection Act.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6104600,"Bill would direct JLARC to report on state agency costs to comply with clean buildings performance standard",3149,1190000,4339000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946&start=1190&end=4339","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946/thumbnail_1190000.jpg","/articles/6104600/Washington/Bill-would-direct-JLARC-to-report-on-state-agency-costs-to-comply-with-clean-buildings-performance-standard","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104600-1cd090129414cbce1f920f16ad0d3052/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979322&Signature=CiudMthiccyktzrbXgSuerWbi8AlsaO1Og48ghqUTFy~YJFn9n48hrRiF~0RJSPmrtvon2dpabeSvO1cNayiOswXctQqrW-grMQ4ks5eq2zghnG8P8khzlb8-mMHTsjU4JNc4kLC5dc5NTi5re8Z1yK3s3v6BZd~87tq0o0046W15iozc2iMtAg4GtPj3oEalSuhn4hojuIkFCtORU0CL6PGMezd-JbjoFQkxZKnEEruqpWRkRhZFt4blygAa3VJLPvcBxMstz~gi5qtZQ4024h2rcVbk95XXpOFICbFyKRbG5NZZlor6nAhM-ZwSBdGTYTPPE9mrHMBKJMym8GnGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee staff briefed the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee on Second Substitute House Bill 1715, which would direct the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee (JLARC) to report on the costs for state agencies to comply with Washington’s state energy performance (clean buildings) standard.

Kim Cushing, staff to the committee, said the bill requires JLARC to select a sample of covered state buildings, determine building‑type categories (office, higher education, K‑12, correctional facilities), compile state expenditures for compliance by fiscal year, estimate energy savings and jobs created from capital upgrades, and identify potential funding sources. The report would be due to the legislature by June 30, 2027.

Rep. Deb Dye, speaking for sponsor Rep. Mary Dye, said the state needs ‘‘hard numbers’’ to prepare capital budgets and noted the first compliance dates begin in 2026 for the largest buildings. Dye described examples of recent audit and compliance cost requests from higher education institutions and said the state should plan for sizable capital asks in future capital budgets.

Representatives of Washington State University told the committee WSU owns millions of square feet of building space and would benefit from an independent cost estimate; Connor Hagerty of WSU said the university has done ‘‘back‑of‑the‑napkin’’ estimates but welcomes a neutral JLARC assessment. The public hearing record includes questions from senators about lifecycle emissions, demolition vs. retrofit choices, and whether universities could perform parts of the work internally.

No committee vote or final action is recorded in the hearing transcript; staff closed the public testimony with a large number of registered parties who did not testify noted in the record.","House Bill 1715 would require the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee to sample state‑owned covered buildings and report by June 30, 2027 on capital and operating costs to meet the state's clean buildings performance standard; sponsors said the work is needed to plan capital budgets.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6104605,"Committee hears bill to bring thermal energy networks under UTC oversight, with opt‑ins and exemptions",3321,461000,3782000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946&start=461&end=3782","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790433-3988919fef2fedbc21b458fea3c3a946/thumbnail_461000.jpg","/articles/6104605/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-bring-thermal-energy-networks-under-UTC-oversight-with-optins-and-exemptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104605-98547aa580b80593da11ef34ebb3d17e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979322&Signature=ANbuSmztbvTecLdVVl3V8Q0GpkbgHy5y1JfWjnlFGARfSj~tIUZefWWN0mBul~fuH8wOf8x~fngJaQxqBmlKBddoJlzBNFaxnMgVFHmeSS8LLyQ1tdSmpL9PYzRSYHhYNyWv~edNHpd~CmswBT9CNrTilwefaJn6SSdHiGgA-p3xJAZOG7bm91RU48DVswLYeaFTHwxI~YWswRhQdd7SVnmO7UMEHXjXkhWapRiaUn1uw1Al7tchfLwUZ5OFgTCk0OP3s798n~B0u2FRf347xDT2lhzg8bda4PaZEijahAeJxu4Al5iIzuOFxpz9NWvgktBWng6uOOxi-zGmGwehig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff briefed the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee on second substitute House Bill 1514, which encourages deployment of low‑carbon thermal energy networks and proposes a regulatory pathway under the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) for thermal energy companies.

Kim Cushing, staff to the committee, described thermal energy networks as ‘‘piped noncombustible fluids that transfer heat into and out of buildings’’ and said the bill authorizes UTC oversight while carving out exemptions for systems with fewer than five independent customers or fewer than 250 households, and for systems already in operation or under development before July 1, 2025. The bill would also allow companies not subject to UTC regulation to opt in in writing and then remain regulated.

Rep. Alex Ramel, the sponsor, said thermal energy networks combine district heating concepts with heat‑pump technology to create high efficiencies and provide a potential pathway for workers and firms in fossil‑fuel trades to participate in clean energy jobs. ‘‘One unit of electricity turns into six units of heat,’’ Ramel said in describing efficiency gains observed elsewhere.

Municipal and industry proponents told the committee they support UTC oversight as a means to guarantee fair rates and consumer protections. Michael Hogan of the Port of Bellingham described the waterfront district energy connection in his city and said the lack of UTC oversight created complications for rate structures and ratepayer representation; the port joined a private operator that now owns and operates the system. John Rothlin of Avista and other utilities said the bill preserves flexibility while creating a pathway for regulation. Representatives of Puget Sound Energy and Avista said the technology can deliver clean energy at scale and that pilot programs are underway.

No final committee vote was recorded in the hearing transcript; staff closed the public testimony after numerous proponents and hundreds of registered parties who did not testify were noted.","Second substitute House Bill 1514 would bring thermal energy companies into regulatory jurisdiction of the Utilities and Transportation Commission, with exemptions for very small systems and those in development before July 1, 2025; sponsors and utilities testified in support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate committee hears bill to exempt low‑asbestos commercial aggregates from some labeling and inspection rules

Senate committee hears bill to speed reconductoring by creating categorical SEPA exemption for certain upgrades

Right‑to‑repair bill receives broad support at Senate hearing after House passage

Bill would direct JLARC to report on state agency costs to comply with clean buildings performance standard

Committee hears bill to bring thermal energy networks under UTC oversight, with opt‑ins and exemptions