The Dept. of Ecology has expressed a desire to work with businesses on an incentive-based approach to environmental results. AWB will be meeting with DOE in early November to discuss this subject. We would like to provide the names of businesses and industry sectors that are interested in pursuing incentives-based approaches to environmental results with DOE. Members are requested to let us know by Oct. 31 if they have specific ideas related to what they might consider “incentives” for their businesses and whether they want DOE to follow-up with them personally after our meeting. Contact AWB’s Grant Nelson at (360) 943-1600 or GrantN@awb.org.

 

The Dept. of Ecology has filed a pre-proposal statement of inquiry (CR-101) to amend the existing provisions of the Shoreline Management Act. Several sections of SMA rules conflict with decisions from the Shoreline Hearings Board and recent court decisions. Beginning in 2006, DOE will review and approve updated Shoreline Master Program maps and have the rules updated before mid-2006. Contact AWB’s Chris McCabe at (360) 943-1600 or ChrisM@awb.org.

 

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris, R-Colville, will discuss changes to the Endangered Species Act approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on AWB’s Washington Business Weekly radio program. AWB’s Grant Nelson and Earl Tower, of Tower, Ltd., will also discuss why the state wants to ban PBDEs – a widely used and very effective flame retardant. The program airs 11 a.m.-12 noon, Thursday, on Tacoma’s KLAY 1180 AM. You may also listen at http://www.awb.org/.

 

Public hearings on L&I’s proposed workers’ comp rate increase will begin 10 a.m. (Oct. 11, Airport Ramada Inn, Spokane; Oct. 13, Red Lion Hotel, Yakima; Oct. 18, 2401 Riverside Drive, Mt. Vernon; Oct. 20, Red Lion at the Quay, Vancouver; Oct. 24, L&I office, Tukwila; and Oct. 25, L&I headquarters, Tumwater). Talking points and tips on testifying are available from AWB. Contact AWB's Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

The week of Oct. 17 is expected to be designated “Lawsuit Abuse Week.”During this time, the House will take up three tort reform bills (H.R. 554, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act of 2005, S. 397, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, H.R. 420, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act). Contact AWB’s Kris Tefft at (360) 943-1600 or KrisT@awb.org.

 

AWB’s Workers’ Compensation Committee will meet Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-12 noon, in Tacoma to review the outcome of the Gallo decision and to discuss where we go from here.Contact AWB's Amber Carter at (360) 943-1600 or AmberC@awb.org.

 

Rep. Jim McIntire, D-Seattle, chair of the House of Representatives Finance Committee, will discuss Washington state’s tax system and the possibility of structural reform.Rep. McIntire has been instrumental in advancing discussions about specific tax reform ideas that include structural changes that will reduce the business community’s share of the state’s total tax revenue. Rep. McIntire wants detailed feedback from Washington’s businesses about the proposals. The meeting is not public and will not be recorded. The meeting will be held Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m.–12 noon (Deloitte, 925 4th Avenue, Ste. 3300, Seattle). Space is limited, so register now. Contact AWB’s Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

 

This is a key reference guide to legal issues facing Washington employers. The reference guide offers sample policies, solutions and easy to understand guidelines. Contact AWB’s Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org to pre-order your copy.

 

The Dept. of Revenue will meet (9:30 a.m.-12 noon, Cascade Bldg, Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Rm. C-101, 19010 1^st Ave S, Burien) on Oct. 19 regarding the definition of depreciable property, including computer expenses. Contact Tom McBride at (360) 943-1600 or TomM@awb.org.

 

You won’t want to miss 2005’s Northwest Environmental Summit (Oct. 19-20, Tacoma Convention & Trade Center). Register for the two-day conference and receive a coupon for $25 off the NEW Environmental Compliance Handbook! To register, visit http://www.ecwashington.org/. Contact Alisha Boggs at (360) 943-1600 or AlishaB@awb.org.

 

Please register for Regional Board of Director meetings and legislative recognition at Everett (Nov. 8), Bellevue (Nov. 9), Tacoma (Nov. 10), Vancouver (Nov. 15), Tri-Cities (Nov. 16) and Spokane (Nov. 17). Contact AWB’s Bonnie Millikan at (360) 943-1600 or BonnieM@awb.org.

 

America Is Blessed With Safe, Reliable Electricity - See This Week’s President’s Perspective at www.awb.org.

 

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