Committee advances bill requiring Ecology report and new reporting for EITE facilities

The House Environment and Energy Committee voted to report House Bill 2,537 out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation on a 12–9 vote.

Staff summary: Matt Sterling, staff to the committee, said HB 2,537 would require Ecology to produce a report to the legislature by Dec. 1 recommending a schedule of allowances for emissions‑intensive, trade‑exposed (EITE) facilities from 2035–2050. If the legislature does not adopt a schedule, current allowances would continue through 2031–2034. After 2027, EITE owners would need to file biannual reports and submit plans updated every four years. Sterling said violations of reporting or planning requirements could carry penalties up to $10,000 per violation per day; a fiscal note was noted as available.

Debate and context: Members described EITE facilities (about 40 statewide) as hard to decarbonize and emphasized the need for facility‑level analysis and careful consideration about competitiveness and job retention. Ranking Member Dai and other members urged caution to avoid making in‑state industry uncompetitive, while others said the reporting framework allows facility‑specific planning and technology development.

Vote and outcome: Vice Chair Hall moved the bill be reported with a due‑pass recommendation; the roll call recorded 12 ayes and 9 nays and the committee reported HB 2,537 out of committee. Staff did not record amendments in the committee action.