Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am. Dr. Luke Robbins led the flag salute.

Guests

Mike McAleer, Mark Hannah, Mary Jane Robbins and Patrice Varela-Dayle, etc.

Announcements:

Cherie Kidd read from City Council Resolution 05-17 (A resolution of the City County of the City of Port Angeles, Washington, in support of the recreational fishing industry as vitally important to the economic health and well-being of the City of Port Angeles, and Clallam County.)  She had brought the issue to PABA but the body had not voted on it at that time.  Now that the City Council has adopted it, she asked that PABA support it. Edna P. moved and Randy J. seconded that PABA support the Resolution. Motion carried.

Jon F moved and Matthew R seconded that due to the President’s Day Holiday on Feb. 20, that PABA NOT meet on the 21st.  Motion carried.

NOLA:  Kaj asked for an alternate to the meeting. Harry Bell will fill in when Kaj cannot make it.

PA Forward:  George said three concerns are now being considered.  The main one is with Railroad St and the Downtown area. Marc A thanked George and Kaj for all their work.

DNR Meeting. Harry B said Kaj, he and Brian G presented testimony at the latest DNR Board meeting. He said PABA and the Peninsula are giving a good showing at those meetings.

Kevin read thank you cards from Derek Kilmer thanking John Brewer, Andrew May and PABA for letting him speak to the group.

Harry Bell said HB 1799, a good neighborhood agreement presents a pilot plan to produce fire lines.  It entails possible thinning on private lands. A similar plan is working in Wisconsin and Colorado. He recommends that the Bill drop the US Fish and Wildlife Service and that Bill mention that Idaho has a program such as Wisconsin and Colorado. Jack G moved and Kaj A seconded that PABA support the bill with the two changes. Motion carried.

HB1509 would drop high school credits from 24 to 21 so students can explore trade and vocational areas.  Matthew R moved and Mike C seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Program

Colleen McAleer explained role of the Washington Business Alliance in lobbying on behalf of Businesses in the State.  She presented some of the issues before the Legislature this year.

1. Education Funding Proposals:  She compared the Governor’s plan to raise $3.9 billion needed to fund the McCleary’s decision with that of the Republic plan which would provide $10.5 billion each year to fund all 219 school districts.  The Governor’s plan would require new B&O taxes – to services like Attorneys and Realtors; new carbon taxes and new Capital Gains taxes. She said the Carbon Modeling Software presents four proposal to create a carbon tax:
   1. I-1732:  which did not pass
   2. SB 5217
   3. SB 5385
   4. HB 1646

She asked if a fee base is better than a tax base.  How do you reduce greenhouse gas? What will be reduced? How much gas emission is reduced?

She said the Governor’s Clean Air Rule has already been challenged.  Energy intensive measures vs cost vs gas emissions vs land fills?

** Matthew moved and Randy seconded that meeting be extended to 8:45am. Motion carried. **

2. Taxation: Transport emits the most pollution in the State. Does price of gas affect what people drive? Different agencies have varied ranges and analysis on that outcome.

Question and Answers:

Q:  What changes can happen to effect greenhouse and gas emissions?
A:  State of Washington is the second cleaning in the US, mainly due to hydropower.

Q:  What is the Best vs. the Worst?  How much change in the world vs. change in Washington State?  What percent of current output is from carbon emissions?
A: Tax incentives are needed. Governor says too many State based businesses are working out of the US and thus, not being taxed. Highest emissions in US are from coal, natural gas, nuclear and hydro. In Washington State, coal is the smallest. Solar and wind prices are coming down. The Gates Foundation is even working on portable devices that might help bring solar and wind prices down. Washington State has one nuclear plant; China has 92 of them and is building more each year. Colleen said she does not propose to groups what stand they should take. She said The Nature Conservancy is working on water issues.

Q: Isn’t there a National Carbon Bill before Congress in Washington DC?
A: All states should have a policy since borders don’t stop emissions.

Q: Why does the small business to pay all the B&O taxes, but Nippon, Port Townsend and Alaska Airlines do not?

Q: 1-5 Corridor vs. Peninsula and rural areas?
A: BPA grid is cleaner than Puget Sound Energy. There is not one technology better than another.

Upcoming Meeting

February 21: NO MEETING!

Meeting adjourned at 8:48am.