Substitute HB 1462 on refrigerants reported out of committee after amendment votes; mixed caucus support

The House Committee on Environment and Energy advanced the proposed substitute for House Bill 1462 with a due-pass recommendation after debate and three recorded amendment votes.

Representative D'Aleo (chairing the session) and proponents said the substitute aims to provide certainty for businesses and create a program to recover and reuse hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants as federal phase-downs proceed. Representative Dye moved multiple amendments during the hearing; one (LIPs 3 28) was adopted and refined language to delay an early phase-down date and to adjust exemptions for bulk refrigerant used in aircraft.

Representative Dai, supporting some amendments, said the grocery and food sectors had raised concerns about federal HFC rulemaking and asked the committee to avoid allowing state rulemaking to move ahead of the task force’s work. “We should wait to see what happens with the task force before we start making the rules,” Dai said while urging a yes on a motion to limit Ecology’s early rulemaking authority. Opponents argued the bill as drafted gives certainty and market signals, and that delaying rulemaking would slow a smooth transition.

Committee roll calls were held on the substitute and prior amendments; staff announced the final committee vote as 14 ayes, 1 nay, and 6 “nay do not pass” (reflecting members recorded as opposing or recording a different recommendation). The transcript includes multiple named roll-call votes and several members indicated they would vote “nay without recommendation” or “nay.”

The transcript shows the bill sponsor and supporters sought stakeholder balance, added language to allow incentives for refrigerant recovery, and removed an earlier 2027 date to address the fiscal note and give time for rulemaking after the task force provides guidance. The bill advances to the next legislative stage with the committee’s recommendation.

Ending note: The transcript shows extensive debate over exemptions, timing of Ecology’s rulemaking authority, and impacts on refrigeration-dependent businesses; the hearing record in the provided transcript does not include subsequent floor dates or final enacted language.