Near the close of the 2021 Legislative Session, Senate lawmakers debated Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5126, focusing on the state’s climate change commitment toward reducing carbon emissions.

Sen. Mona Das (D-Kent, 47th LD) and Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn, 30th LD) were secondary sponsors on the bill.

According to the committee materials for the bill, SB5126 “establishes a program for capping emissions from certain covered entities and investing emission allowance auction proceeds in certain programs, projects, and activities, beginning January 1, 2023.”

Final Vote:

The bill passed the House 54-43 on April 23, passing the Senate 27-22 on April 24, and has been delivered to the Governor’s office, for an opportunity to be signed into law.

Final House Vote: Representatives Debra Entenman (D-Kent, 47th LD), Jesse Johnson (D-Federal Way, 30th LD), Pat Sullivan (D-Auburn, 47th LD), and Jamila Taylor (D-Federal Way, 30th LD) voted in favor of the bill. Representatives Eric Robertson (R-Sumner, 31st LD) voted against the bill. Rep. Drew Stokesbary (R-Auburn, 31st LD) was absent from the vote.

Final Senate Vote: Senators Das and Wilson. C. voted for the bill and Sen. Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn, 31st LD) voted against it.

For more information on Senate Bill 5126 – the bill’s page.

For more complete information on any legislation, including sponsors, a synopsis, and fiscal note, visit the Washington State Legislature’s bill information webpage: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo