Are WA Democrats really considering a ban on wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves?
Washington's Department of Ecology is 'clearing the air' on a bill that aims to cut back on pollution.
Senate Bill 5174, requested by the department, would ensure that new wood-burning devices — think: woodstoves and fireplaces — can't be installed unless they meet certain certification requirements and emission standards.
Sponsored by state Sen. Sharon Shewmake, a Bellingham Democrat, the bill would also restrict sales of outdated woodstoves.
The proposal has fired up some critics who claim that it amounts to a wood-stove ban.
Not so, according to the Department of Ecology.
'Importantly, nothing in the bill would ban the use of wood stoves — or require homeowners to replace an existing wood stove,' a department news release reads. 'The legislation would only apply to new wood stoves sold in Washington.'
Wood-stove performance standards are weaker in Washington than they are at the federal level, the agency wrote. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges that its own testing and certification program for wood stoves isn't up to snuff. SB 5174 would align the two sets of standards and grant the state Ecology Department authority to 'double check whether stoves really meet the standards.'
Prolonged exposure to air pollution from wood-burning devices can lead to lung and heart problems, the department says. Modern wood stoves emit significantly less pollution and smoke.
The bill would not force homeowners to remove or replace their current wood-burning devices, nor would it amount to a ban on sales. But if someone wants to upgrade their old model, then the department may assist in funding that purchase via turn-in and replacement programs.
Shewmake emphasized in a public hearing late last month that the bill is meant to protect the health of Washingtonians.
'To be clear, I do support wood stoves, and I'm not interested in ripping out anybody's wood stove,' she said. 'This is about making sure that wood stoves that are sold in the future are standing up to their obligations from the federal legislation.'
SB 5174 was scheduled for a Feb. 7 executive session but no action was taken. It is now slated for an executive session Feb. 14 in the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, which Shewmake chairs.
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