Summary Transportation Choices has staff full time in Olympia during legislative session. In 2008 we supported policies that foster better land use policy, healthy communities and efficient movement of people and goods. (Check out our one-pager (PDF) for specifics.) We are excited to report that we have had huge victories for our TOP legislative priorities! We managed to set stage for bold action on climate change; helped shape progressive transportation funding policies; and added bicycle and pedestrian safety to drivers-ed curriculum for the first time ever in Washington State - all in a short legislative session! Check out the details below.

Goal: Climate Action
Climate change is the greatest challenge we face in the fight for vibrant, healthy communities. Addressing climate change has been a top priority for Transportation Choices Coalition this legislative session. Transportation is now the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Washington State, accounting for roughly 50 percent of our state's emissions. While we are making strides to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in other sectors, the simple fact is this: if we do not aggressively address our transportation problem, we cannot stabilize our climate. In 2008, we had a three-pronged legislative strategy for action on climate change and won!

1. Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled: Tools for a Sustainable Future in (HB 2815)
2. Local Solutions to Global Warming: Compact & Transit-Oriented Development (SB 6580)
3. Climate Action and Green Jobs (HB 2815)

Our Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled proposal was incorporated into the Climate Action and Green Jobs bill signed by the Governor. It will set the stage for more transportation choices for Washington residents. The passage of Local Solutions to Global Warming is an important and timely step in providing local governments with tools to make planning to address climate change a real and workable task in the next Growth Management Act (GMA) updates.

Goal: Promoting Healthier Transportation
Transportation Education for Kids + The Matthew “Tatsuo” Nakata Act (HB 2564)
Our local neighborhoods and communities thrive when we all have the opportunity to get around in ways that are healthy and safe. This effort would elevate pedestrian and bicycle safety, both in grade school classrooms and in the basic curriculum for new drivers.

The Matthew "Tatsuo" Nakata Act which adds bicycle and pedestrian safety education to drivers education curriculum received overwhelming support and was signed into law by the Governor. Transportation Education for Kids appeared as a proviso in the supplemental transportation budget (HB 2878). It authorized $76,00 for pilot projects in three school districts across the state to instruct physical education teachers in how to teach students to safely get around by biking, walking, and taking the bus. The pilots will be based primarily on an established, successful program in Spokane.

Goal: Efficient Movement of People & Goods (HB 1773)
The legislature has established a foundation for state tolling policy in this year’s HB 1773, which was approved by the House 59 - 25 and the Senate 29 to 19. The bill which was signed by the Governor is consistent with our stated principles, including provisions on early tolling, variable pricing, public outreach on tolls, system management support, as well as a removal of the original cap on tolling revenue eligible to be used for transit and other demand management. This landmark legislation will help change the paradigm of how transportation projects are planned and funded in Washington State.

Goal: Better Transportation Choices
The state Department of Revenue decided this summer to impose the rental car tax on the car-sharing company Zipcar and actually began collecting the tax from members November 1st. Unfortunately the Legislature declined to take action on this session. We support our friends at Flexcar in finding an amicable resolution for the agency and its many members.

Take Action! Legislative session may be done for this year but stay tuned to the website for ways to be engaged on transportation issues..