A bill aimed at reducing construction costs by easing restrictions on aggregate and asphalt materials, sponsored by 18th District Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, has passed the House Environment and Energy Committee with unanimous approval.
House Bill 1857 seeks to lift certain asbestos-related regulations affecting commercial aggregates, asphalt and concrete, a news release from the Washington state House Republicans stated.
The bill would exempt these materials from labeling and reporting requirements related to naturally occurring asbestos. It would also exempt certain manufacturing facilities from inspection and management plan obligations, the news release stated.
“Certainly, we must monitor construction materials and ensure people are not exposed to asbestos in their homes and other structures. However, asbestos naturally occurs in our rocks and soil and is commonly found in smaller concentrations in commercial aggregates or asphalt and concrete materials,” Ley said in the news release. “These materials are vital to the construction industry, specifically for roads, driveways, and parking lots. This legislation would exempt these materials from the current standard and boost the construction industry.”
The bill would lower construction costs by ending costly material testing, currently performed on aggregate, asphalt and concrete materials, Ley stated in the news release. The bill would also allow communities to harvest local rocks for cheaper materials, reducing the amount of imported aggregate used in local construction.
HB 1857 now awaits a vote on the House floor. For updates on its status, visit shorturl.at/UnEiQ.
