House Democrats passed a bill on a party line vote, not for the benefit of Washingtonians or to help the environment, but to give Inslee something to champion while on the campaign trail in New Hampshire. The bill would create a low carbon fuel standard in Washington State. Basically what that means is all of us can expect massive hikes in our gas taxes, while receiving no real measurable benefit to our air or planet. “Voters have repeatedly voted against any form of a carbon tax as an efficient solution to reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia). “The taxpayers in this state know there are better solutions in creating a clean energy future without increasing taxes and higher energy costs. (Washington State Wire)

The Washington State Senate advanced a bill that would mandate the state observe Daylight Saving Time year-round. With just three no votes out of the Senate, this could finally be the year Washington ditches that added hour of sunlight for a more stable circadian rhythm. A spokesperson for the bill sponsor, Sen. Jim Honeyford (R-Yakima), called it a “milestone” for Daylight Saving Time bills. (KING 5)

If you or someone you love is notorious for being late to return library books, then you’ll love the $213 million property levy pushed by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan. “We will make sure that our public-library system more than ever opens its door for opportunity and equity,” the mayor said in a news conference. The city would use about $8 million from the new levy to eliminate Seattle Public Library fines for late items. (Seattle Times)

A proposal to clean up groundwater in Lower Yakima Valley isn’t receiving the rousing support  from the community that proponents had hoped for. “I think what we’re afraid of is the county will accept that and leverage it for regulation of all agriculture,” said  Farm Bureau President Frank Lyall. “Regulations tend to be a socioeconomic loser.”  The proposal would implement recommendations, ranging from groundwater and soil monitoring to continuing education and public outreach. (Yakima Herald)

The Walla Walla City Council approved an ordinance to request county commissioners set an election to annex the city into the Rural Library District. Last year the College Place City Council put $3,000 in the budget to allow residents to purchase library cards from either Walla Walla or the Walla Walla County Rural Library District. College Place Mayor Harvey Crowder seems optimistic about the proposal, saying the Library District’s Board of Trustees are open to the annexation proposal. (Union-Bulletin)

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