The four top priorities include:
- Requiring new cars sold in the state after 2008 to meet more stringent air emission standards than those required by the federal government.
- Ensuring that state offices and schools of more than 5,000 square feet meet eco-friendly construction standards.
- Banning toxic flame retardants found in a variety of consumer goods, including electronics and furniture, by 2006.
- Investing in water quality projects to better protect Hood Canal and greater Puget Sound, especially in the arena of on-site and community septic systems.
Environmental legislation might stand a better chance than in recent years, now that Democrats control the House, Senate and Governor's Office, suggested state Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Thurston County.
"I support their agenda," Fraser said.
At the same time, leaders in the environmental community acknowledge any success in 2005 will require support from Republican legislators as well.
"If you don't see bipartisan support, the bills won't pass," predicted Clifford Traisman, lobbyist for the Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters.
All of the bills still are in draft form, and all but one has at least one prime sponsor identified in both the House and Senate.
Following a pattern
The clean-car-clean-air measure is patterned after laws in eight other states and supported by a host of Democrats, including outgoing Gov. Gary Locke.
If approved, the cleaner cars would reduce cancer-causing auto emissions in the state by 25 percent, said Climate Solutions communications director Lisa Andrews.
She said the higher sticker price for a new car, estimated at $7 a month for five years on a 2012 model, would be more than offset by monthly fuel savings of $18 a month.
"We've heard the savings stated, but we haven't seen them verified," said Vicki Giles Fabre, executive vice president of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association.
The association has not seen a bill yet but does have concerns about its effects on consumer choices, cost and dealer inventory, she said.
The green building legislation would promote the efficient use of water, energy and building materials, calling for state and school buildings to be built to a national standard called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Green buildings use less energy and create healthier workplaces and classrooms that boost worker productivity and learning, said Allison Capen, a Seattle architect.
"Green buildings end up saving a lot of money," she said.
Some timber industry officials are wary of the green building bill, since builders get credit for using wood carrying a Forest Stewardship Council certification, which is proof the timber is grown, harvested and manufactured in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
"There are certifications in use other than FSC," noted Bob Dick, state manager of the American Forest Resource Council.
Hood Canal is expected to receive a lot of attention this session because of the die-off of marine life and fishing closures, the result of low oxygen levels in the water.
The culprit is too much nitrogen entering the canal, which triggers algal blooms. When the algae die, they suck up oxygen vital for marine life.
"It's something we need to deal with boldly and quickly," said Kathy Fletcher, executive director of People for Puget Sound. "The dead zone in Hood Canal is a harbinger of things to come in other water bodies in the state.
The prime source of human-caused nitrogen in the canal is on-site septic tanks, studies have shown.
One bill would clarify state Department of Health authority to impose regulations for environmental problems -- not just public health concerns -- caused by on-site septic systems, Fletcher said.
Another bill would allow local governments to establish special purpose districts to better manager wastewater.
John Dodge covers the environment and energy for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5444 or jdodge@olympia.gannett.com.
See The Olympian's in-depth profile of state government on the eve of the 2005 session in a guide to the Legislature.