Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has unveiled its ambitious 2025 Legislative Agenda, focusing on environmental stewardship, community health, and affordability. As a municipal utility serving 1.6 million people in the greater Seattle area, SPU’s priorities aim to align its operations with its vision: Community-Centered, One Water, Zero Waste.
The 2025 Legislative Session is the first year of the state’s two-year 2025-27 biennial budget cycle. This means it is a long (105-day) session during which legislators must pass a two-year budget. The session begins on January 13, 2025. It ends on April 27, 2025.
Let’s dive into some of the key initiatives SPU is championing this legislative season:
Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging & Paper (formerly known as the WRAP Act)
Despite having access to robust recycling programs, many Seattle residents still find themselves confused about what is recyclable. This confusion, coupled with rising recycling costs, underscores the need for systemic reform. That’s why SPU is advocating for passage of the Recycling Reform Act, a statewide Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.
If passed, producers of packaging and paper would be required to finance the collection, sorting, and recycling of their products. This reform promises to:
- Reduce confusion and costs for residents.
- Increase recycling rates and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Incentivize companies to design sustainable, recyclable packaging.
This policy has been on SPU’s Legislative Agenda for several years, but progress in other states and the approaching long legislative session mean that 2025 is an opportune time for this policy to succeed.
Right to Repair
In an age of disposable electronics, SPU is backing legislation that makes repair more accessible and affordable. The proposed Right to Repair legislation aims to empower consumers and independent repair shops by requiring manufacturers to provide the necessary tools, parts, and information to fix digital devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
This initiative supports a “circular economy” by extending the life of electronic products, reducing waste, and ensuring equitable access to affordable repairs.
Salmon Recovery
Salmon are a cornerstone species in the Pacific Northwest, vital to local ecosystems, cultural heritage, and recreational activities. However, sockeye salmon have not experienced healthy returns to the Cedar River since 2006, and Chinook salmon remain endangered. SPU’s legislative agenda seeks to bolster salmon recovery efforts through:
- $48 million for the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board to replace municipally owned culverts.
- $1.4 million for the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife to address predation in the Lake Washington Basin.
- Enhancements to SPU’s sockeye salmon hatchery to promote healthier returns.
Tackling Toxic Pollution
Toxic chemicals like PFAS, PCBs, and 6PPD-Q pose significant risks to public health and the environment. These contaminants disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income communities. SPU is advocating for funding and policies to mitigate these dangers, including:
- $8.9 million for the Department of Ecology to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals from tires.
- Expanded efforts to prevent and remediate toxic pollution upstream.
Safeguarding Our Watersheds
SPU’s commitment to clean, safe drinking water begins in the Cedar and North Fork Tolt River watersheds, areas the Utility has meticulously protected for decades. To ensure this legacy of stewardship continues, SPU is prepared to defend against any proposals that would compromise its management authority or force it to transmit water for other utilities.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Each of these legislative priorities reflects SPU’s dedication to sustainability, equity, and community health. By advocating for smarter recycling systems, championing repair accessibility, protecting vital species, addressing toxic pollution, and safeguarding our watersheds, SPU is ensuring a resilient and equitable future for all.
Follow along with our progress on these topics by looking out for a blog post after session concludes in late April.
For more details, contact Maggie Yuse, SPU’s State Legislative Liaison.