UPDATE 2/17/25: As of today, thanks to tremendous response to sign in Con, both bills have been pulled from the Committee agendas. We will continue to monitor these bills as the legislative session continues, but we are hopeful that this is a sign that they will not progress any further this session.
A new bill (SB 5712 and companion HB 1937) moving through the Washington Legislature could weaken clean water protections, give polluters a free pass, and strip the Department of Ecology of its ability to enforce industrial stormwater rules. If passed, it would make immediate changes to industrial stormwater management—without any public input.
What is the Industrial General Permit and Why Does it Matter?
The Industrial Stormwater General Permit (ISGP) is a critical tool that helps protect Washington’s waters, including the Spokane River, from pollution caused by industrial activity. It requires industrial facilities—such as manufacturing plants, scrap yards, and transportation hubs—to monitor and manage stormwater runoff to prevent harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants from entering our waterways.
The permit sets clear pollution limits, requires regular stormwater sampling, and holds businesses accountable if they fail to meet clean water standards. These regulations are essential for keeping our rivers safe for fishing, recreation, and wildlife.
This bill undermines the Industrial General Permit by allowing polluters to bypass enforcement, halting stormwater monitoring at transportation sites, and stripping Ecology’s ability to hold violators accountable. If passed, the Spokane River and other waterways across Washington could face increased pollution with little oversight.
What’s at Stake?
This bill would immediately change Washington’s industrial stormwater enforcement, and weaken Clean Water Act protections across the state.
This bill lets industry override the Department of Ecology’s rules and expertise, forcing immediate changes to industrial stormwater management without public input. It doesn’t “clarify” the law—it rewrites it, creating a legal shield that overrides Ecology’s authority and may violate the Clean Water Act, risking Washington’s control over federal permits.
Polluters get a “get out of enforcement free” card—if they report violations, they’re presumed compliant, blocking Ecology from enforcing permit rules indefinitely.
It halts all stormwater sampling at transportation facilities, shifting the burden to Ecology and disrupting compliance for responsible businesses. It forces Ecology to create unfunded programs to track presumptive compliance, adding strain to an already stretched agency.
This bill threatens Washington’s waters and the communities that rely on them, especially those in polluted areas.
This bill is a direct threat to our rivers, lakes, and communities—especially those already suffering from pollution. We must act now to stop it.
How You Can Help: Sign in “Con” to Oppose the Bill
Public hearings are scheduled next week, and you can officially oppose the bill by signing in "con" before the hearings. Signing in means your name will be recorded in opposition, but you do not have to attend or testify.
📅 House Hearing: Monday, 2/17 at 1:30 PM
📅 Senate Hearing: Tuesday, 2/18 at 1:30 PM
How to Sign In:
Click the link below for the House or Senate hearing.
Choose "Con" to oppose the bill.
Fill in your name and contact information.
Submit—and you're done!
This is a quick and powerful way to stand up for clean water. Please sign in today and share with others who care about protecting Washington’s rivers and communities.