We are sad to report that HB1303 (also known as the CURB Act) will not be moving forward in Olympia this session. We want to thank everyone who supported the bill, address some questions, and explain why this is just a temporary setback.
Momentum
This outcome was not unexpected. Most consequential bills take an average of four years to become law, and this is only HB1303’s second year. Despite stalling in the Rules Committee, it gained strong support and advanced further than before. It has momentum, and we are confident it will be back.
Why HB1303 Matters
We encountered widespread misunderstandings about what HB1303 does and does not do. With more education, we are confident it will pass in a future session.
HB1303 applies broadly to all major polluters—including the Port of Seattle and the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). Many people expect airport-related legislation to specifically mention airports or large Port Districts, but that is not necessary. Sea-Tac Airport is one of the largest sources of pollution in the state. Those impacts extend far beyond noise and air pollution — affecting water, soil, education, crime, property values and local economics. That broad spectrum of harms is exactly why this is an environmental justice issue. ‘Justice’ is the only word that truly encapsulates all those negative externalities.
Concerns
We heard concerns because the bill was not sponsored by the usual advocates for airport-impacted communities. Traditionally, legislators from the 33rd District (such as Senator Tina Orwall and now retired Senator Karen Keiser) have led these efforts. While Orwall introduced the more airport-specific bill SB5652, it had very different goals. Any session that includes multiple opportunities to help our communities is a gift. Any bill that strengthens any environmental protections for industrial polluters deserves your full support, regardless of who sponsors it. HB1303 has direct implications for the SAMP, making its failure a setback for stronger oversight of airport expansion.
Also: frankly, friends need to be honest with one another. Legislators in districts nearest the airport also represent powerful political and business interests — people with no desire to see any legislation that might dampen airport growth. Electeds outside our immediate area do not depend as heavily on support from monied interests. So in some instances they may be able to achieve stronger results on our behalf. (Note that the Beacon Hill neighborhood is one of the most heavily impacted by airport noise and pollution — and yet Seattle City electeds are almost never seen in these discussions.)
Business interests opposed HB1303, falsely claiming it would halt development and increase regulatory burdens. Many cities also refused to back it, unwilling to support any bill that appears to add ‘regulation’. Rather than embracing opportunities for greener development, some unions will also resist any such bill, fearing it might threaten construction jobs. Even the Department of Ecology voiced concerns—just as they did during the Third Runway expansion. That’s the reflex. Automatically oppose anything.
The Reflex
The most requested ‘revision’ was to include language on ‘economic benefits.’ Opponents insist that environmental regulations have been far too punitive and that every bill going forward must also include balance financial gains with public health and environmental protections. That sounds so ‘reasonable’. It’s not. There is a reason that the Clean Air and Clean Water acts and all productive environmental bills do not take those into account. We see this notion of ‘balance’ as a get out of jail free card for polluters —including Sea-Tac Airport which does not look like a traditional polluter. When it comes to environmental justice, appearances can be deceiving.
Sea-Tac generates massive profits but leaves surrounding communities poorer and less healthy. Between the Port of Seattle, Washington’s business interests, and the FAA? Demanding yet another compromise on environmental protections is ridiculous. It’s not merely David vs. Goliath. It’s David vs. Goliath – with one hand tied behind his back.
All of this stems from a mindset that, by default “growth is good” and that existing law is already fair. If you disagree? Take us to court.
Even that argument — “take us to court” is disingenuous. Entities like the Port of Seattle have nearly unlimited legal resources. Who in our community can afford even a single day in federal court? Without strong regulation, there is no real protection—only the illusion of it.
Our Stand
STNI will support every bill that puts environmental and public health first. We reject the notion that all legislation must accommodate ‘economic benefits’—especially at the airport. The Port of Seattle does not need additional advantages to drive record revenues.
HB1303’s current setback is frustrating, but the fight is not over. We will be back. In the meantime, we will continue to count on your help in educating more people on why these bills matter and why they must pass.
Thank you!