Environment (Forestry)

in committee · Washington · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 2267: Concerning urban forest management ordinances.

HB 2267 requires Washington's Department of Commerce to create voluntary model ordinances for local governments to manage urban tree canopy. It directs cities and counties to prioritize avoiding tree removal (especially for single-family homes), minimizing impacts when removal is needed, and compensating through replanting or tree banks for larger developments (two+ homes). The model includes incentives like density bonuses, reduced parking requirements, or lower lot size rules to encourage developers to retain trees without limiting housing. Local governments can choose to adopt these models, which also provide guidance on scientific tree selection, cost estimates for maintenance, and measuring benefits like stormwater reduction. The bill does not mandate adoption but aims to standardize tree protection while balancing development needs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates tree canopy preservation, minimizes removal impacts, requires replanting compensation, and offers incentives for urban forest conservation - directly advancing environmental protection and resource conservation.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Water Quality

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signed · Washington · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2251: Concerning climate commitment act accounts.

HB 2251 creates a dedicated state account for climate funds generated by auctioning emissions allowances under Washington's Climate Commitment Act. The bill specifies that these funds must be used for concrete climate action programs, including reducing emissions across sectors (buildings, agriculture, industry), expanding clean energy projects, supporting environmental justice in overburdened communities (requiring at least 25% of funds for these areas), and assisting fossil fuel workers transitioning to clean energy jobs. It prohibits using these funds to replace existing state programs and mandates spending only on approved climate initiatives like wildfire-resilient forests, electric vehicle infrastructure, and clean water projects that address climate impacts. The bill directly affects state climate programs, tribal governments, and low-income communities through targeted funding streams.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated climate fund account from emissions auctions, mandating 25% for environmental justice and specific climate programs, directly allocating state revenue to funded initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates dedicated account for climate funds to expand clean energy projects, reduce emissions across sectors, and fund environmental justice initiatives, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and climate action.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates dedicated climate fund for emissions reduction, clean energy expansion, and environmental justice programs per Climate Commitment Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Environmental Justice Forestry Water Quality

in committee · Washington · House Feb 4, 2026

HJM 4009: Requesting Congress to ensure that federal wildfire response entities have the capacity to protect communities and infrastructure, limit impacts to natural resources and watersheds, and protect wildland firefighter health and safety.

This Washington State legislative memorial (HJM 4009) requests federal agencies to maintain wildfire response capacity amid consolidation plans. It specifically asks the Department of Interior and Agriculture to ensure full staffing of the new Wildland Fire Service by April 2026, delay further reorganization until wildfire activity decreases, and avoid reducing firefighting capacity during consolidation. The request aims to protect communities, infrastructure, natural resources, and firefighter safety in Washington State, responding to federal staff reductions and uncertainty about consolidation impacts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProtects natural resources and watersheds by ensuring wildfire response capacity to limit environmental impacts and prevent degradation.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly requests protection of wildland firefighter health and safety, directly addressing workplace safety within Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Natural Disasters

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 27, 2026

HB 2682: Ensuring the consistent application of environmental justice principles.

HB 2682 requires Washington state environmental agencies (including departments of Ecology, Health, Natural Resources, and Transportation) to integrate environmental justice principles into major decisions. It defines "overburdened communities" and "vulnerable populations" and mandates that covered agencies conduct environmental justice assessments before implementing significant actions like major rules, large projects ($12M+), or new grant programs. The bill also requires the Forest Practices Board and Board of Natural Resources to comply with these standards for all future actions and submit a 2027 report comparing past decisions to the new requirements. This law aims to ensure state environmental policies address disproportionate pollution impacts on marginalized communities through standardized analysis.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates environmental justice assessments for agencies, ensuring overburdened communities are protected in major environmental decisions and projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Environmental Justice Forestry

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 5893: Addressing appropriations for long-term forest health and wildfire reduction.

SB 5893 appropriates an additional $65 million from the natural climate solutions account for the 2026 fiscal year to support forest health and wildfire reduction programs. The bill addresses a funding shortfall identified in previous legislation (chapter 298, Laws of 2021), which lacked sufficient resources to fully implement forest restoration and wildfire mitigation efforts. This funding specifically targets the "wildfire response, forest restoration, and community resilience account" to cover the $125 million needed for the 2025-2027 biennium. The bill does not create new policy but allocates existing funds to fulfill previously authorized program needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $65M from natural climate account to fund forest health/wildfire programs, increasing state budget allocation for environmental initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds forest restoration and wildfire mitigation via $65M appropriation, directly advancing environmental protection and conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Forestry Natural Disasters

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 2170: Expanding revenue generation and economic opportunities from natural climate solutions and ecosystem services.

HB 2170 would authorize Washington’s Department of Natural Resources to generate revenue from state lands and waters through carbon credit programs and other ecosystem service projects, such as reforestation, kelp restoration, and water purification. The bill directly affects the department (which manages 6 million acres of state lands) and trust beneficiaries by enabling it to enter carbon markets like private landowners already do, with contracts lasting up to 125 years. Key provisions include requiring board approval for minimum payments, allowing sales of ecosystem service credits to markets, and directing proceeds to state accounts for environmental projects like salmon habitat improvement. The bill aims to diversify state revenue streams while leveraging natural climate solutions, aligning with Washington’s existing cap-and-invest climate program. It remains a proposed bill (prefiled but not yet enacted).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new revenue stream via carbon credits and ecosystem services, expanding state budget income without tax increases, aligning with fiscal responsibility.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes carbon credits and ecosystem projects (reforestation, kelp restoration) to generate revenue for environmental protection, directly advancing climate solutions and conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Forestry

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signed · Washington · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 2089: Supporting wildfire mitigation by modifying RCW 82.04.29005, concerning taxes on loan interest.

HB 2089 modifies Washington's tax code to redirect revenue from a business tax preference for "community banks" toward wildfire response funding. It updates the definition of "community bank" from "operating in ten or fewer states" to align with the federal standard ($10 billion or less in assets), reversing a 2012 policy that allowed 65% of tax savings ($91.6 million in 2023) to flow to non-community banks. Starting November 2027, the state will transfer annual revenue gains from this tax change directly into the wildfire response account, which funds forest restoration and community resilience. This bill directly affects financial institutions previously qualifying under the outdated definition, while ensuring funds support wildfire mitigation as mandated by the 2021 wildfire response account.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects $91.6M in tax savings from non-community banks to wildfire response funding, closing a loophole to strengthen public service funding.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly redirects tax revenue to wildfire response funding, directly supporting environmental protection through wildfire mitigation as stated in its title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Forestry Natural Disasters

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5430: Concerning approval of electric utility wildfire mitigation plans.

SB 5430 requires Washington electric utilities to submit detailed wildfire mitigation plans to the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) for approval, with updates every three years. The UTC must review these plans within 120 days (for initial submissions) or 90 days (for updates), holding public workshops and meetings, and can approve plans with conditions to balance wildfire risk reduction with cost to consumers. The bill repeals outdated provisions and directs the UTC to adopt rules including input from fire districts, landowners, and customer groups on vegetation management, power shutoffs, and fair compensation. This directly affects all electric utilities operating in Washington, ensuring their wildfire plans are reviewed transparently and cost-effectively.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires electric utilities to submit wildfire mitigation plans to protect natural resources and reduce fire-related environmental damage, aligning with environmental protection goals.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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signed · Washington · House Apr 21, 2025

HB 1563: Establishing a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program.

HB 1563 establishes a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program in Washington state to provide financial loss coverage for damages resulting from prescribed fires and cultural burning. This program supports non-state and non-federal entities, such as private landowners and cultural fire practitioners, who conduct these burns according to approved plans and permits. The Office of Risk Management will administer the fund, which covers eligible property or economic damages up to $2,000,000 per claim. The intent is to reduce financial uncertainty and encourage the use of prescribed fire for forest health and wildfire prevention. This pilot program is set to expire on June 30, 2033.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds prescribed fire programs to prevent wildfires, protect ecosystems, and support landowners in managing natural resources through approved burn practices, aligning with conservation and environmental protection goals.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1288: Concerning environmental leadership through outdoor recreation and climate adaptation investments.

HB 1288 creates a new "outdoor recreation and climate adaptation account" within the state treasury, funded by climate commitment act revenue. It directs spending toward specific climate resilience projects, including forest health initiatives to reduce wildfire risks ($10 million biennially for riparian easements), flood mitigation infrastructure, Puget Sound water quality improvements, expanded recreation access (like trails and parks), and tribal climate adaptation efforts ($50 million biennially). The bill also allocates $50 million biennially for decarbonizing heavy-duty vehicles and requires funding for drought resilience and salmon habitat protection. These funds will be distributed to state agencies like the Parks Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and community revitalization boards. The legislation aims to directly affect Washington residents through improved outdoor recreation access, cleaner water, and enhanced community resilience to climate impacts like wildfires and flooding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $10M biennially for forest health and $50M for tribal climate projects from existing climate tax revenue, directly funding environmental programs through state budget.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds climate adaptation, wildfire risk reduction, water quality, and tribal climate efforts with dedicated revenue from climate commitment act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Forestry Parks & Recreation

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