(1) In 2021, Washington state set an aspirational goal in statute to double manufacturing jobs, firms, and the participation of women and minorities in the ownership of manufacturing firms. To create and maintain unity around the state manufacturing growth target, chapter 64, Laws of 2021 sought to foster a partnership between business and labor. It established a manufacturing council with membership that was intentionally balanced equally between business and labor and represented the geographic and demographic diversity of the state. The manufacturing council was tasked with advising the department of commerce on policy recommendations to strengthen the manufacturing sector by 2030 and submitting reports to the legislature every two years containing those recommendations.

(2) The legislature intends for an independent assessment of growth opportunities in clean manufacturing to be considered by the manufacturing council. Furthermore, the legislature intends that a state industrial strategy that incorporates any input from the independent assessment not be published in any form or considered the state strategy until there is consensus of the manufacturing council on the recommendations and policies to be included in that strategy.

(3) Washington state, with its strong climate commitments, highly skilled workforce, and existing world-class manufacturing base is well positioned to be a global leader in clean manufacturing.

(4) A strong state and domestic manufacturing sector can provide stable, high-wage jobs and is a prerequisite to achieving Washington state's statutory commitment to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

(5) All Washingtonians deserve the opportunity of a high-road manufacturing career. In building the Washington manufacturing workforce pipeline, the state should fully leverage the transferable skills of our existing manufacturing workforce and develop a comprehensive, in-state pipeline with wraparound services and equitable opportunities to ensure that every Washingtonian has a fair shake at a manufacturing career and intergenerational well-being and career growth opportunities.

(6) A holistic and coordinated state industrial strategy that seeks simultaneously to transform and revitalize Washington state's manufacturing base is vital to prevent the leakage of jobs and carbon pollution.

(7) Washington has demonstrated a deep commitment to growing manufacturing. In 2021, the legislature set a goal of doubling the state's manufacturing base over 10 years. In 2022, the legislature created tax incentives and updated siting and permitting practices to accelerate the in-state production of clean energy product manufacturing. Developing a statewide industrial strategy is an important complement to accelerate progress and maximize the benefit of new tax incentives and siting and permitting practices.

(8) The bipartisan infrastructure act and inflation reduction act present a once in a generation opportunity to rapidly transform and grow Washington's manufacturing base in a way that advances the state's climate goals. The state has an important role to play in ensuring that Washington fully leverages federal funding opportunities and that the benefits are shared equitably.

(9) Washington must take steps to ensure that the transformation and growth of the state's manufacturing base simultaneously addresses and does not contribute to the disproportionate burden of pollution on overburdened communities.

Passed by the Senate April 14, 2023.

Passed by the House April 6, 2023.

Approved by the Governor May 4, 2023, with the exception of certain items that were vetoed.

Filed in Office of Secretary of State May 5, 2023.

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