Would a carbon tax actually help reduce carbon emissions in Washington State? One challenge in answering that question is the lack of comparability between Washington and other locations with a carbon tax. “You can’t find anywhere that is similar to Washington state,” said Todd Myers, environmental director at the Washington Policy Center. Over half of I-1631’s tax burden would land on transportation fuels, he figures. “It’s a gas tax increase, first and foremost.” (The Lens)

The state and administrators at the Hanford nuclear reservation reached agreement in a lawsuit over worker protections. “Under this agreement, the cycle of exposure and illness due to unprotected chemical vapor exposures is finally being addressed,” said a spokesperson for the watchdog group Hanford Challenge. In 2016 a judge noted that Hanford workers already were protected by a requirement that supplied air respirators be used within areas of potential vapor exposure. (Tri-City Herald)

Washington State will receive close to $30 million in federal money to fight the opioid crisis. The money is allocated through new federal legislation – the Opioid Crisis Response Act. “This is the way government is supposed to work,” said Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor. “Federal government, local government, state government working together to solve problems.” (My Northwest)

“Last week, I witnessed a homeless person assaulting another person right in front of Nordstrom,” a listener who works in downtown Seattle told KIRO 97.3’s Dori Monson. “The city needs to take notice of these people, and they need to protect the citizens who are just trying to come into work, and the people who are shopping, [the] businesses.” (My Northwest)

The City of Tacoma announced it has entered into negotiations with Surge Tacoma over the revitalization of Tacoma’s Old City Hall. Among other changes, Surge’s plan calls for a mixed-use project including restaurants, a bar, and 20,000 square feet of retail space, along with office and work space. (KING 5)

Spokane Mayor David Condon vetoed an ordinance requiring the city to reach full sustainable energy by 2030, but the city council overrode the veto. Condon says in that he was disappointed the council chose not to work with his office to revise the ordinance. (Tri-City Herald)

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