OLYMPIA — Two competing bills that toughen rules for oil transportation face key votes this week, as state lawmakers try to reconcile differences.
Senate Bill 5057 sponsored by Ferndale Republican Doug Ericksen is to be considered Monday. Meanwhile, House Bill 1449, sponsored by Seattle Democrat Jessyn Farrell, is scheduled for action on Tuesday.
The Daily Herald of Everett says both measures would add rail state inspectors and impose a barrel tax to oil delivered by train, though the House bill would double the tax to 8 cents.
The House bill requires daily advance notice to the state of oil transfers by rail, while the Senate bill requires notice once week.
Farrell’s bill, requested by Gov. Jay Inslee, also requires railroads to show they can afford to pay for oil spill cleanup.
