It’s Time for a Meaningful Energy Plan
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) offered an amendment that would require the Bush administration to reduce by 40 percent the net imports of foreign petroleum by 2025. Her amendment failed. Cantwell’s goal is laudable as long as we develop new environmentally friendly domestic oil supplies like those from Alaska’s North Slope. Unfortunately, she opposes exploration in Alaska’s ANWR. HR 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, is being debated and contains meaningful provisions for alternative energy. AWB is urging Cantwell and Patty Murray to support this bill, which passed the House, 249-183.

DR-CAFTA Vote Expected Next Week
Next week, Congress is set to vote on the U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), the largest free trade agreement in over a decade. American workers already export $15.7 billion in U.S. products to Central America and the Dominican Republic — more than we sell to India, Indonesia, and Russia combined. Two-way trade surpassed $33 billion in 2004. A U.S. Chamber study of DR-CAFTA's impact on a dozen states projects it will create over 25,000 new jobs in its first year — and over 130,000 new jobs in a decade. Our effort is to get the Washington Congressional Delegation to support it. So far Democrats Norm Dicks and Patty Murray, and Republican Doc Hastings are supporting. Democrats Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Brian Baird and Rick Larsen are opposed. Democrats Maria Cantwell and Jay Inslee, and Republicans Dave Reichert and Cathy McMorris are uncommitted. Go to www.awb.org and contact your members of Congress.

AWB Goes on the Air – Washington Business Weekly to Debut Thursday on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180
Keep an ear open for the Washington Business Weekly, AWB’s hourly business talk program, starting June 23, every Thursday, 11 a.m.-12 noon, on Tacoma’s KLAY-AM 1180. This will be a great way to get business’s side of the story out the general public!

Brunell and Chandler – Available for Summer Speaking Engagements
AWB’s President Don Brunell and Vice President of Governmental Affairs Gary Chandler are available to speak to your group. Contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.

Washington Business Will Publish Eight Times in 2006
AWB is pleased to announce that Washington Business magazine will publish in January, February, March, April, May, July, September and November in 2006. Want to advertise? Contact AWB’s Lex Nepomuceno at (360) 943-1600 or AlexisN@awb.org.

DOR Rulemaking Season in Full Gear
The Dept. of Revenue will hold a public meeting on its draft rules on WAC 458-20-193, regarding inbound and outbound sales of tangible personal property from or to persons in other states or foreign countries. The hearing will be held Wednesday, June 22, 1:30 p.m. A copy of the draft rule is available at: http://dor.wa.gov/Docs/Rules/draft/cr101_20_193.pdf. DOR will also hold a public meeting Monday, July 11, 9:30 a.m. on revisions it is considering for WAC 458-20-229, regarding refunds. The draft rule is available at: http://dor.wa.gov/Docs/Rules/draft/CR101_20_229.PDF. Both meetings will be held at the Capitol Plaza Building, 1025 E Union Ave, Olympia. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

Meeting with Governor’s Chief of Staff, Agency Directors
This Friday, AWB will meet with Tom Fitzsimmons, Gov. Gregoire’s chief of staff, to talk about the Global Competitiveness Council and other issues. On July 14, we will meet with Juli Wilkerson, Dept. of Community, Trade and Economic Development, and then with Steve Hill, Health Care Authority director. Have issues? Contact AWB’s Don Brunell at (360) 943-1600 or DonB@awb.org.

Draft Portable Ladder Rule Filed May 24 – Public Hearing on August 1
A public hearing on the portable ladder rule will be held on Aug. 1 at L&I in Tumwater. AWB will be submitting comments before the public hearing. Copies of the draft rule are available. Contact AWB’s Shannon Garland at (360) 943-1600 or ShannonG@awb.org.

GAC Retreat Coming June 28-29 – Mark Your Calendars!
The Governmental Affairs Council retreat will be held June 28–29 at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa. Register now by calling (800) 622-9370 or visiting https://awb.us.com/product.asp?ID=9. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

2005 Northwest Environmental Summit– A Great Event Not to Be Missed!
AWB and the Northwest Environmental Business Council (NEBC) will bring our members Washington’s most comprehensive environmental conference. Don’t miss this great event to be held October 19-20 at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. Register online at www.ecwashington.org. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.

Announcing the Environmental Excellence Awards!
AWB’s Environmental Excellence Awards will be presented Oct. 19 at our annual Environmental Conference. The purpose is to honor members who go the extra mile in environmental protection. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 9. Nomination forms are available at https://awb.us.com/product.asp?ID=12. Contact AWB’s Amy Johnson at (360) 943-1600 or AmyJ@awb.org.