WASHINGTON STATE BUILDING CODE COUNCIL MOVES ANTI-GAS PROPOSALS FORWARD
The Washington State Building Code Council moved forward with changes to the residential energy code that could jeopardize the ability to have gas run to new constructions. Specifically, the Residential Energy Code TAG has put forward proposals that would eliminate the ability to put in gas water heaters and has tightened down space heating requirements to make gas heating more difficult. NWHPBA and its allies did have some wins, particularly in the proposals to require only heat pump water heaters and heat pump space heating in new houses. These proposals originally required only electric systems. After many discussions and debates, the proponents removed the word “electric” from each of the proposals which would allow gas heating backups – but the efficiency level requirements for gas furnaces are currently not achievable. New technologies, plus new federal requirements could result in gas still being utilized, but most builders will find electric easier to get permitted.
NWHPBA will be active in the public comment period for these rule proposals. Watch your emails for alerts and to know when action is needed. To see all of the proposals being discussed, please visit these links:
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Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Air Quality Fee Rulemaking Underway
In 2021, the Legislature passed a bill to create the Transportation Fuel – Clean Fuels Program, which was billed as a way to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from the transportation sector and spur deployment of clean-fuel technology.
The law requires the state Department of Ecology to create the rules and administer the program. This month, Ecology proposed the new rules to implement a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and the Air Quality Fee rule.
Opponents to the program cite increased gas prices due to the new rules and regulations.
Todd Myers, environmental director at the Washington Policy Center, said in a blog post on the program, “That would add a tax of about 52 cents per gallon or just over 46 cents per gallon for fuels required to include 10% ethanol in accordance with Washingtons state law. For diesel, the tax on CO2 emissions would increase the cost of a gallon by about 59 cents per gallon, or 56 cents per gallon for fuels that include 5% biodiesel.”
Public comments on the rules will be accepted July 18-Aug. 31. The public can offer their thoughts via the following options:
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Comment online: Please note, any information (e.g., personal or contact) you provide in a comment or in an attachment will be publicly disclosed and posted on the Internet.
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Attend the online public hearing on Aug. 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Register in advance here. Find a call-in number here and use meeting ID: 810 1368 6463.
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Mail to: Rachel Assink, Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program, PO Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600
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Several L&I Rule Adoption, Rulemaking Efforts Underway
The state Department of Labor and Industries’ (L&I) is in full swing of rulemaking and rule adoption. In its email newsletter, the agency points to four current rules and rule revisions based on legislation passed this year.
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Safety and Health Discrimination Protections: L&I adopted rules to comply with House Bill 1097 passed by the Legislation in 2021. The new rules give the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) the authority to issue administrative orders if an investigation of a discrimination complaint shows sufficient evidence of discrimination by an employer. Rule took effect July 1.
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Clean Energy: Labor Standards for Tax Incentives: This emergency rulemaking effort implements the Labor Standard Certification requirements for clean and renewable energy tax incentives passed by the Legislature this year in Senate Bill 5714. The emergency rules cover procurement from minority-, veteran- and women-owned businesses; apprenticeship utilization; compliance with wage and hour regulations, among other provisions. Learn more here.
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Safety Standards for Ship Repairing, Shipbuilding and Shipbreaking: This rulemaking will better align standards for ship repairing, shipbuilding and shipbreaking, with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration personal protective equipment requirements for eye and face protection for Shipyard Employment.
Meeting ID: 846 4764 8222
Passcode: 416963061
More information is available on these and other workplace rules changes on L&I’s website.
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Workers’ Compensation Benefits Increased 7.5% July 1
The state Employment Security Department (ESD) announced June 16 that Workers’ Compensation benefits would increase by 7.5% July 1. The increase will be reflected in time-loss and pension benefit payments for most workers injured on or before July 1, 2021.
This increases the maximum monthly benefit to $8,250.80, or 120 percent of the state's average monthly wage. The increase also applies to pension benefits paid to family members of those who died because of a work-related accident or disease.
There are some exceptions:
- Certain workers who also receive federal Social Security benefits may not be entitled to this annual COLA.
- Most workers with an injury date between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, will receive their first COLA on July 1, 2023.
For claim benefit questions, contact ESD Claims Communication & Outreach Liaison at 360-902-6280.
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Court Upholds Seattle’s ‘JumpStart’ Tax
A payroll tax, dubbed the “JumpStart” tax, passed by the Seattle City Council in 2020 was upheld by an appellate court judge last month, ruling it was lawful and that engaging in business is a “substantial privilege” on which the city is allowed to levy taxes.
The tax is levied on businesses with at least $7 million in annual payroll, all of which must pay between 0.7% and 2.4% on salaries and wages paid to their Seattle employees who make at least $150,000 per year. The taxes collected, estimated at roughly $200 million per year, will be directed toward urgent issues, including housing.
The Seattle Chamber of Commerce filed the lawsuit to overturn the tax. “The chamber brought the payroll tax lawsuit forward because we believe the tax is illegal based on Washington State Supreme Court precedent. We will review the decision and determine our next step in consultation with our members and our attorneys,” said Chamber President Rachel Smith.
The ruling comes just as the Seattle City Council announced a projected budget shortfall of $117 million.
It’s unclear whether the Chamber will appeal the ruling. The Center Square breaks down the issue here.
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Primary Election is Aug. 2
Don’t forget to vote in the Aug. 2 Primary Election. Ballots were mailed out the week of July 11 and must be mailed back or dropped in a ballot drop box no later than Aug. 2.
No postage is necessary to mail a ballot and drop box locations across the state can be found online here.
Read more about who and what is on the ballot here.
