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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’ve wrapped up week three of the 105-day 2025 legislative session. It’s been a busy week. We had National Guard Day, where the Legislature honors the men and women who assist us in our time of emergent need, and protect us when the call comes. It is always a great day of remembering those who serve and those who have paid the ultimate price.
Bovine Flatulence
Democrats in Olympia have introduced legislation that could increase the costs for beef and dairy products like milk and cheese. House Bill 1630 would require dairy farms and feed lots to report annually to the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) their total metric tons of methane emitted in the preceding calendar year (Bovine burps and flatulence make up the most of these methane emissions). If they find sufficient methane equivalent to 25,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, these facilities would likely need to come under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) as officially covered entities. This would require them to compete with other businesses for carbon allowances, including several multinational companies. This would cost more money which would most likely drive up the price of beef and dairy.
I’m calling this the “Tax Your Burger and Shake Act” of 2025. It just goes to show you, the ruling party in Olympia will get very creative to find new ways to tax all of us! This bill actually gets a public hearing next week.
For more information, you can read my news release here. You can also read several news stories:
The latest issue dividing Washington’s lawmakers: Cow farts – KUOW Radio
Schmick: This is just wrong – KONA Radio
Washington House bill eyes dairy, feedlot emissions – Capital Press
House Democrats change rules and silence your voice
House Democrats changed the rules that govern the House floor where bills go under intense debate, are amended, and eventually passed on to the Senate or into law. Rules that have been in place for over a century required a two-thirds vote to “call for the question,” which ends all further debate on a bill and requires an immediate vote. This has now been changed to a simple majority. In essence, allowing House Democrats to end debate on any piece of legislation at any time! This is unprecedented! Instead of several of our members being able to talk on the House floor and debate an issue and express their concerns and the concerns of their constituents, debate will be shut down and any contrary opinion will be silenced.
There was a rally at the Capital this week in protest. You can read more about that here:
Republican lawmakers protest rule change they say could limit House debate – The Spokesman-Review
Wolf Bills
Next Wednesday, the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will hold public hearings on two wolf bills. As many know, Northeast Washington has a majority of the state’s wolf packs and has experienced problems with wolf/livestock interactions. It has been a huge issue for our neighbors up north. However, over the last several years, we are seeing more and more wolf activity in our district, especially in the far south east corner of our state. Recently, the Department of Fish and Wildlife authorized the removal of two wolves from the Columbia Pack. We need better management for those citizens with pets. livestock and for the wolves.
House Bill 1311 would require the WDFW to designate gray wolves as “sensitive” instead of “endangered.” This down-listing would still provide protections but would also give more flexibility to the department when managing wolves, including the investigatory process and penalties levied when a wolf kill has occurred. It is important to note, this bill would enact the recommendations of WDFW scientists, wildlife officers, and the department’s management. We need this bill! In addition, House Bill 1442 gives local governments more options when managing and responding to wolf-livestock-human interactions. This is something local governments have repeatedly asked for in the absence of appropriate state action.
Several anti-gun bills are being heard in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee next week as well. Click here to see the agenda and then click on the “testify” links at the right of each bill description to submit your comments.
Thank you for reading my Legislative Update and for staying involved. It is an honor and pleasure to serve you in Olympia.
Sincerely,
Joe Schmick
