The Washington State Department of Ecology has withdrawn SB 5174, a proposal that aimed to restrict the number of EPA-certified woodstove models available in the state by introducing additional criteria to be determined by the agency. Through the collaborative efforts of both HPBA and Northwest HPBA and many local members, this bill was withdrawn last week, even though it had passed its first committee vote. Our industry objected to a provision in the bill that would have enabled the Department of Ecology to create a program to review each certified stove’s test report and publish a list of Washington Approved Stoves.
Guided by our NWHPBA advocate, Carolyn Logue, and with support from HPBA staff, many members rallied to provide direct testimony and write to their local representatives opposing the bill. State Senator Shelly Short, representing the Colville area, played a key role in maintaining pressure on this bill and ensuring industry concerns were addressed by legislators and Ecology staff.