Sen. Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) is asking the state Utilities and Transportation Commission to reverse an energy planning decision he says is an end-run around the Legislature. UTC is directing three investor-owned electric utilities to include carbon emissions and climate change damages in estimates of their coal-plant operation costs. Of the decision, Ericksen wrote, “Washington regulators are trying to force an early exit from Colstrip – a political decision that is not theirs to make.” (Washington State Wire) 

The Spokesman-Review not only endorsed Initiative 1608, the paper included signature petitions in its Sunday edition. The editorial board wrote, “I-1608 would require local and state governments to conduct collective bargaining in public. There’d be no more haggling with public employee unions behind closed doors,” noting that at present, “contracts that spend millions or even billions of dollars now emerge from secrecy.” (The Spokesman-Review)

Rumors are swirling around where Seattle might place its next homeless encampment. Sources from the South Lake Union business community suggest the next encampment could be at Eighth Avenue North and Aloha Street – shouting distance from Amazon. (My Northwest)

A federal court will hear a case to settle who gets to collect millions of dollars in sales tax generated by businesses on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. The Tulalip Tribes sued the State of Washington and Snohomish County to stop them from collecting the tax. (Everett Herald)

The Yakima City Council will decide whether to amend a lease agreement related to a city-owned homeless encampment. The proposed amendment would allow children to enter the encampment with a parent or guardian and stay with their family in an approved family area. (Yakima Herald-Republic)

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