MINUTES NR 28JAN17

Emily Roberts

Jan. 28, 2017

Paul Pickett, Chairman; Guy Hoyle-Dodson, Vice-Chairman; Llyn Doremus, Secretary

12:00 Paul Pickett (Chairman) calls the meeting to order, and attendance is taken.

Matt Zuvich- WFSE Lobbyist gives an overview of the 2017 Washington Legislative session to date

Trespassing Bill (HB1104) introduced by Rep Dave Taylor gives property owners authority to prosecute people who collect data on their property, and to seize the data.
Carbon Tax Bill (HB1646) introduced by Rep Joe Fitzgibbon. This bill differs from Governor’s bill on the same topic with respect to how the tax is implemented. Governor’s bill would levy a $25/ton of carbon tax that goes to the general fund.HB1646 starts with lower tax rate and ramps up over time, increasing the amount collected. It’s more palatable to opponents of carbon taxes, and conservatives prefer the carbon tax to strict CO2 emissions regulation. Funds raised would be dedicated to environmental improvements. WFSE will support the Carbon Tax bill based on Green caucus preference.
SB 5395 – Fossil fuel carbon tax bill introduced by Sen Sam Hunt.
Alia Griffing (WFSE Research & Policy Director) spoke about the MTCA fund still being raided; currently there is a $75 million shortfall. SB5501 (introduced by Senator Reuven Carlyle at Agency request) would stabilize the fund. HB1663 (introduced by Rep Jamie Peterson) would add regulation on possession of hazardous substances.
The republican majority in the senate can be swayed by 2 friendly R senators: Milosha and Pierson.
The Parks Lobby Day was Jan 26. WFSE needs to engage the legislature in a discussion of public resources being run for profit.
Elena Guilfoil (872) noted that there was a bill introduced to sunset all agency rules.

Business Meeting

October NR Policy Committee minutes were approved with corrections.

Executive Board report
Effectiveness data on WFSE actions was collected and assessed. 18,000 members participated in 2016 actions.

WFSE staff reorganization is underway. A salary increase was approved for managers. A salary survey will be conducted for assessing staff raises.

Sue Hendricksen identified 3 priority topics for the EBoard to work on:

New Business

Guy Dodson-Hoyle (872) presented a resolution on climate change and federal actions requesting that the Executive board adopt this resolution, and for the WFSE executive director to publicize it. Passed with some changes.
Eddie Holbrook (1253) proposes a resolution on commute trip reduction from the 46th Biennial AFSCME convention supporting union actions on climate change. Passes unanimously.

Round Table

Discussed how can NR Policy committee and WFSE get information about how many federal dollars are allocated to Washington. Brendan Crowley (WFSE Labor Advocate) says WFSE can request this info by email from State Agencies. It is disclosable through FOIA and through the authority of WFSE’s representation role. Eddie Holbrook (1253) will assemble the information for NR Agencies in collaboration with Brendan.
David Pader (304) recommends writing more letters to federal representatives expressing opposition to legislation to restrict Parks expansion.
Paul Pickett (872) asks how NR Policy members are being supported by Council Representatives (CR).
Greg Kennedy (1466) says that the Labor Advocate for Parks (Tom Johnson) is good at representing Parks issues.
David Pader (304) says roller coaster responses from Council Reps since Sarah Cliffthorne left WFSE
Elena says that the Member Communication Center is intended to address problems with CR support.
Llyn volunteered for the Internal Organizing Committee to facilitate communications from NR Policy Committee regarding the formation of the Member Communication Center.
Deb Alexander – Public Lands and Natural Resources are being threatened in an unprecedented way. Sale, extraction, and depletion of federal resources for profit are being pursued aggressively. We must monitor this and respond to stem the tide.

Meeting adjourned at 2:45

Attendees