Support SHB 2416 Concerning Spokane’s Waste to Energy Facility

We need your help to push HB 2416 across the finish line in this year’s short, 60-day legislative session, preventing increased charges on Spokane ratepayers for our Waste-To-Energy Plant.

350 Spokane has been involved with the City of Spokane and the Spokane Environmental Priorities Coalition in working on SHB 2416. In their legislative priorities resolution adopted by the City Council, the City adopted language recommended by 350 Spokane and 10 other local environmental groups:  “the City seeks more time and state support to implement technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including but not limited to carbon capture, and improved reuse, recycling, diversion and reduction systems.” Substitute House Bill 2416 does just that.

We seek to pass a bill that 

1. Reduces the financial impacts on local ratepayers
2. Contributes meaningfully to meeting the State and City greenhouse gas emissions goals
   

SHB 2416, a bill designed to exempt Spokane’s Waste to Energy facility (WTE) from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and establish a regulatory regime that recognizes the unique character of Spokane’s solid waste management system is very important to the Spokane region. It is sponsored by both Legislative District 3 Representatives Hill and Ormsby. The Senate companion bill is sponsored by Senator Riccelli.

SHB 2416 also has important implications for solid waste management and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction across the state. Spokane is the only community in Washington that is required to comply with CCA because we do not landfill municipal solid waste. Landfills were exempted from the CCA and put under a separate regulatory regime under “The Methane Rule.” Establishing a regulatory regime specifically for our WTE might set a precedent that others will seek to emulate. Ecology is concerned that this could undermine the effectiveness of CCA.

The Climate Commitment Act provided a temporary exemption for Spokane’s WTE that is due to expire in 2027. The City of Spokane is not financially prepared for this exemption to fully expire. If something is not done, Spokane utility ratepayers would likely face an increased rate, estimated by the City to be around 20%. This is clearly an environmental justice issue.

350 Spokane has long supported the CCA. We supported its passage and fought against an initiative attempting its repeal. 

We now ask your help to move SHB 2416 forward. Please send a message to your state representatives to support this very important bill: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2416&Chamber=House&Year=2025