HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 3141
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
February 6, 2008
Title: An act relating to sustainable residential weatherization for low-income households.
Brief Description: Concerning sustainable residential weatherization for low-income households.
Sponsors: By Representatives Liias, Chase, Ericks, Loomis, Rolfes, Miloscia, Upthegrove, Appleton, Dickerson, Kenney and Ormsby.
Brief History:
Housing: 1/28/08, 1/30/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/6/08, 90-2.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Miloscia, Chair; Springer, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Liias, McCune and Ormsby.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Schindler.
Staff: Robyn Dupuis (786-7166).
Background:
The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (DCTED) operates the
state Weatherization Program which contracts with community non-profit agencies to make
cost-effective energy conservation improvements on low-income homes in order to reduce
the utility costs of low-income families. On average, the weatherization of homes reduces
home energy costs by 25 percent.
Weatherization services provided include:
(a) ceiling, wall, floor, and duct insulation;
(b) diagnostically driven air sealing to close gaps where the home's heat can escape; and
(c) heating system efficiency modifications.
The Weatherization Program is funded through federal, state, and private sources.
Summary of Bill:
The DCTED Weatherization Program
The DCTED must choose amongst proposals from agencies interested in participating in the
Weatherization Program so as to:
(a) achieve the greatest possible energy savings by low-income households over the greatest
period of time;
(b) promote the greatest possible health and safety improvements for residents of low-income
households; and
(c) leverage, to the extent possible, technologically advanced and environmentally friendly
sustainable technologies, practices, and designs.
The DCTED must encourage the utilization of fuels representing energy efficient sustainable
technologies through the Weatherization Program.
The DCTED Housing Programs
The DCTED is directed to continually strive, through all of its housing programs, to be a
leader within the state in promoting and utilizing technologically advanced and
environmentally friendly sustainable technologies, practices, and designs.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill is consistent with the direction the DCTED Weatherization and other
housing programs are moving and should be moving. It also supports the climate change
initiatives proposed by the Governor's office. By placing an emphasis on utilizing sustainable
technologies, the DCTED will encourage local contractors to experiment with new tools to
increase the energy efficiency, health, and safety of homes. This is a real opportunity to be
innovative and try new methods that could have a dramatic impact on individual homeowners
and their communities.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Liias, prime sponsor; Steve Payne, Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development; David Finet, Opportunity Council; Joel Gregory, King County Housing Authority; and Charles Eberdt, The Energy Project.