Latest news with #HouseBill1409
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
WA lawmakers consider raising carbon standards for fuel
The Brief Washington legislators are considering stricter carbon standards for car and truck fuels. Supporters argue the standards are necessary to protect the environment. Opponents argue that prices at the gas pump are already too high, and this will only make them higher. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Lawmakers are considering stricter carbon standards for fuels used in cars and trucks. Supporters of the move argue the state needs to step up to support the environment, while opponents say the changes would increase already high prices at the pump. Similar to the Climate Commitment Act, Washington's Clean Fuel Standard sets targets over time to reduce carbon emissions from transportation fuels, with a marketplace of credits and deficits for fuel producers who are below and above the standards. Dig deeper Among the provisions in House Bill 1409, carbon reduction targets under the program would be accelerated and increased. The current goal is to reduce carbon emissions from transportation fuels to 20 percent below 2017 levels by 2038, with the legislation bumping it up to 45 percent. At a hearing in the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology committee on Wednesday, prime sponsor Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, said the standard needs to be updated to promote continued development of clean fuels while meeting the state's climate goals. "I think the experience we have of the first couple years of this program shows that we can handle a little bit stronger target and that that's necessary to achieve the increases in clean fuel production that I would hope to see," he told the committee. Staff with the Department of Ecology testified that the development of alternative fuels, like renewable diesel, had increased since the standard was enacted in 2021. Though that has presented some challenges. What they're saying "The rapid pace of development has led to an oversupply of credits in the program, resulting in a low credit price," said Ecology staffer Joel Creswell. "This market imbalance results in less of an incentive for companies to continue to invest in decarbonization and newer technologies, which in turn threatens the health of the credit market." Supporters of the program changes said Washington should follow states like Oregon and California, who have toughened their standards in response – directing activity away from the Evergreen State. "There's going to be a market imbalance on the West Coast," said Leah Missik, Acting Washington Director for environmental advocacy group Climate Solutions. "We're not going to have the same amount of fuels coming into our state, or even the production incentives in our state that others would. And so we want to make sure that we're not falling behind." One business group argued the Clean Fuel Standard in its early stages currently has a minimal impact on transportation fuels, but that will change over time. "As the program and its stringency increases — both as originally projected under this program, and under this new bill — those costs are expected to increase further," testified Peter Godlewski with the Association of Washington Business. By the numbers GasBuddy data shows Washington has the third-highest average gas prices in the country, with prices in the state consistently above the national average over the last two years. And tariff threats encompassing Canadian oil would not help prices at all. The Western States Petroleum Association said Washington tax and program costs, like the Climate Commitment Act, already add about a dollar to the price of a gallon of gas. They argue the proposed Clean Fuel Standard change could add on anywhere from four to 25 cents. "I think it's really important that you guys take a look about what the fuel affordability is and take responsibility for that – for all of the decisions that you're making as policy makers for tax and program cost changes," said Jessica Spiegel, northwest region vice president for WSPA. It is currently unclear when the bill could be voted out of committee. Albert James is a television reporter covering state government as part of the Murrow News Fellowship program – a collaborative effort between news outlets statewide and Washington State University. The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting by Murrow News Fellow Albert James. Here's where Seattle renters are relocating 74-year-old skier dies after fall at Stevens Pass Body cameras capture struggle during Pierce County DUI arrest Seattle's Capitol Hill Block Party announces 2025 lineup, changes to event Could Bryan Kohberger's autism defense for capital murder set a precedent? To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill filed in Arkansas legislature to protect existing electric power plants
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A bill filed in the Arkansas legislature on Wednesday would protect coal or natural gas electric power plants if it becomes law. House Bill 1409 would require the state Public Service Commission not to retire any power plant 'until there is an equal or greater contracted new means of firm power available on the electric grid.' Arkansas launches $10 million grant program to enhance electrical grid The bill, under the title 'The Electric Reliability Act,' begins by stating how coal power plants have been 'targeted for closure by activist groups, state and federal regulators, and utility companies, with dozens of coal plants across the United States slated for closure in the next three (3) years.' The legislation continues to list issues with the adequacy of wind and solar power and the need for reliable power in Arkansas. The bill then states why Arkansas is empowered to make a law like this: 'Arkansas will use all means necessary to protect this state's electric utility service reliability because regulation of electric utility service and pollutants are not among the constitutionally delegated powers assigned to the United States Government and are reserved to the state under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.' House Bill 1409 of the Arkansas 95th General Assembly The bill is sponsored by Rep. Wayne Long (R-Bradford). As of Wednesday night, it has not been scheduled for its House reading. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
