Bill links land use, global warming

OLYMPIA – As state Sen. Chris Marr sees it, a key way to combat global warming – and save taxpayer dollars – is to encourage people to live in denser communities.

Such communities cut down on car trips, for one thing. And they reduce the need for costly water lines, sewer systems, roads, bridges and so on. Sprawl, the Spokane Democrat says, is costly.

But that idea has been difficult to convey in the Statehouse, where many of Marr’s fellow Eastern Washington lawmakers fear a threat to rural lifestyles and jobs.

It looks like Marr’s vision won.

Early Friday morning, the state House of Representatives approved his bill encouraging local governments to consider global warming as a factor in land-use decisions. The Senate is expected to concur, then send the proposal, Senate Bill 6580, to the governor to be signed into law.

“This is literally the bill with nine lives,” said Marr, referring to its struggles and negotiation.

It’s a watered-down version of his original plan, which contained specific goals and spelled out the steps for large cities and counties. The final version focuses more on setting up grants to help six cities and three counties – the city of Spokane is expected to be one of them – figure out ways to incorporate global warming into planning decisions.

The bill also requires the state to develop software to gauge local effects on global warming.

Many Republicans are leery of the measure. It’s a mistake to link global warming to the already-controversial Growth Management Act, they say. Ultimately, many predict, the changes will hurt property rights.

“Please don’t tell people in Eastern Washington and other areas that they are not taking care of their air, their land and their communities,” said Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake.

Several said there’s no need to rush the proposal.

“It’s like we’re scurrying to get something done, like something’s going to happen to discredit the whole global-warming thing,” said Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama.

But Rep. Deb Eddy, D-Kirkland, said it makes sense to try to reduce discretionary vehicle travel. It would reduce greenhouse gases and gas consumption, she said.

Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, said he has no desire to live in a cramped city, nor should his constituents have to.

“I am selfish,” he told lawmakers. “I’m not willing to do this.”

Marr says the costs to taxpayers are as big a reason for the change as global warming. After decades of building homes and businesses farther and farther from urban centers, he said, taxpayers are left with a longer list of utilities and roads to maintain.

“There’s a growing realization of that,” he said. “I think the public is saying, ‘Why do I have to pay for this stuff?’ ” People are still free to live where they want, he said. “The question is, should that right be subsidized by other taxpayers?” he said.