It’s day 19 of the 2025 legislative session, which is scheduled to end on April 27.
UW seeks state support for foundational decarbonization projects on the Seattle campus
David Woodson, Executive Director of UW Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations, met with legislators on Tuesday to advocate for funding to support decarbonization projects on the UW Seattle campus. This funding request is part of the University’s capital budget priorities for the current legislative session. The UW has developed a comprehensive five-part strategy to decarbonize campus energy systems, ensuring compliance with the state’s Climate Commitment Act and Clean Building Performance Standards. The University is seeking $292.6 million from the Climate Commitment Account (CCA) to fund the first 10 projects outlined in the clean energy plan.
In mid-December, former Governor Jay Inslee released his capital budget proposal, which included $33 million for two of the UW’s requested energy renewal projects from the State Bond Account. However, most of the UW’s decarbonization projects were not funded due to a reduction in available CCA funds. The next carbon market auction, which supports the CCA, is scheduled for March, at which point legislators will have a clearer understanding of the availability of funds.
The UW’s energy systems have been in operation for more than a century, making the task of decarbonizing the campus a significant undertaking. While the requested funding is substantial, these 10 projects are crucial to achieving the University’s long-term sustainability goals.
During his meetings with legislators, David emphasized that as a public institution, the UW needs state support for its decarbonization efforts. He also stressed that these initial 10 projects are foundational to the University’s ongoing sustainability initiatives. He urged legislators to consider supporting the funding request, should resources become available.
UW Regents advocate for higher education funding during Olympia lobby day
Yesterday, UW Regents Leonor Fuller, Keondra Rustan, David Schumacher, and Blaine Tamaki, along with former Regent Herb Simon, traveled to Olympia for the College Promise Coalition’s lobby day. The coalition, which represents a diverse group of higher education stakeholders, met with legislators from both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate to advocate for increased support for Washington’s higher education institutions and financial aid.
With the state facing a projected $10-12 billion budget deficit, the attendees carried an urgent message: investing in higher education is vital for the prosperity of Washington’s residents and economy. They emphasized the negative impact that further cuts to higher education institutions would have, especially considering that Washington’s institutions have yet to recover the funding lost during the Great Recession.
During lunch, they had the opportunity to connect with Sen. Drew Hansen, a strong advocate for higher education and the sponsor of the 2019 legislation that established the Workforce Education Investment Account (WEIA). This account supports many higher education priorities in Washington’s state budget. Sen. Hansen shared valuable insights and strategies for effectively communicating higher education priorities to fellow lawmakers. His enthusiasm for supporting higher education was evident as he engaged with attendees and responded to their questions.
Following the lunch, the attendees returned to meetings with lawmakers to continue reinforcing the importance of continued investment in the state’s education system.
The UW is fortunate to have such dedicated leaders championing higher education in Olympia, ensuring that the UW’s priorities—and those of the broader higher education community—are heard.
*Picture: Courtney Acitelli, UW Impact; UW Regent Leonor Fuller
Questions?
The Office of State Relations is in Olympia advocating on behalf of the UW. For questions about the UW’s legislative priorities or advocacy efforts, please reach out to Morgan Hickel at mhickel@uw.edu.