A challenge to I-1631’s ballot title was rejected by a Thurston County judge. The initiative, which would impose a carbon tax, had its title legally challenged because it never tells voters they’re being asked to approve a tax. Instead the initiative’s title euphemistically calls the carbon tax a “pollution fee” because voters, guess what, don’t like taxes – so the truth must be hidden from them. Hard to call what I-1631’s sponsors are doing anything but intentionally lying to voters. (Washington State Wire)

The Washington State Supreme Court is instituting a new rule aimed at curbing implicit racial bias in jury selection. The new rule expands the prohibition against using race-based peremptory challenges during jury selection. (The News Tribune)

When those in government use intentionally unclear language, that’s your big red flag. The Seattle City Council passed a resolution aimed at raising the “base rate fare” of ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, which will raise prices for consumers. Councilmember Bruce Harrell said, “What we are trying to do is ensure a level playing field; equal market access for all industry participants.” Rideshare drivers who spoke during public testimony accused the council of being controlled by the Teamsters Union, but Harrell denied this. “The Teamsters did not bring this resolution. It was actually drafted by central staff,” he said. Just like Democratic legislators tried to claim that SEIU wasn’t behind the bills this year that massively benefited SEIU, even though nobody believes that. Memo to you, Bruce: Nobody believes you either. (My Northwest)

The Puyallup Tribe is leading the charge against a liquefied natural-gas (LNG) plant in Tacoma proposed by Puget Sound Energy. Activists have gone as far as repelling off construction cranes, chaining themselves to plant gates, and erecting a tent city on the state capitol grounds, all to push back against the project. (Seattle Times)

Washington State’s largest solar farm will land in Lind. Strata Solar will build and own the 170-acre project of around 81,000 solar panels, which will produce roughly 28 megawatts. John Knight, Strata Solar’s chief technology officer said the project is pretty large for Washington and Oregon but not for California, where they have 100-megawatt solar farms. (Spokesman Review)

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