HJM 4003
In CommitteeHouse
Fossil fuel treaty
Concerning the United States government joining the global community in formally developing a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
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AI Analysis
This resolution formally endorses a global treaty to stop new fossil fuel development and phase out existing production, in line with climate science and Washington’s existing climate laws. It urges the U.S. federal government to join this international effort and commit to a just transition for workers and communities.
- Endorses the global call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty — an international agreement to stop new fossil fuel exploration and production, phase out existing production, and accelerate a fair transition to clean energy.
- Affirms Washington’s commitment to ending expansion of coal, oil, and gas production and supporting a just transition for workers and communities.
- Calls on the U.S. federal government to formally join efforts to develop and adopt the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
- Directs the state to transmit this resolution to key federal and international leaders, including the U.S. President, Congress, Governor, and the United Nations.
- Emphasizes that transition plans must prioritize workers and communities most impacted, with enforceable labor standards like prevailing wages and apprenticeship opportunities.
Who is affected
- Fossil fuel workers and affected communities — Workers in fossil fuel industries and communities dependent on fossil fuel jobs would be prioritized for support during the phaseout, including access to prevailing wages, apprenticeships, and labor protections during transition.
- Vulnerable and frontline communities — Low-income families, people experiencing homelessness, people of color, Indigenous people, youth, seniors, and people with disabilities face heightened health and safety risks from climate change and fossil fuel expansion, and would benefit from targeted equity-focused climate policies.
- Youth and future generations — Future generations would bear the long-term consequences of climate inaction, including food and water shortages, disease, and extreme weather — this resolution emphasizes intergenerational justice and urgency in climate action.
- Washington State government and residents — The state government would use its voice and influence to advocate for international climate action, reinforcing existing state climate laws and aligning with national and global efforts.
Pro/Con Analysis
Potential Benefits (5)
By mandating enforceable labor standards (e.g., prevailing wages, apprenticeships) for transition programs, the resolution supports higher wages and better working conditions for displaced fossil fuel workers — though actual implementation depends on future legislation and funding.
Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: BE IT RESOLVED, That Washington State affirms the need for a plan to phase out existing fossil fuel production that prioritizes the most impacted workers and local government services with... enforceable labor standards, such as prevailing wages, apprenticeship opportunities...The resolution explicitly centers frontline and vulnerable communities in climate planning, reinforcing equity-focused policies like the HEAL Act and potentially directing future resources to reduce health disparities from pollution and climate impacts.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Preamble (WHEREAS, Our entire society will be impacted by... socioeconomic and health inequities... low-income families, people of color and Indigenous people, youth, seniors...)The resolution reaffirms voter support for climate action, helping to insulate existing climate laws (e.g., Climate Commitment Act) from repeal efforts and enabling continued investment in clean energy and resilience — benefits shared broadly but especially important for low-income households facing high energy costs.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Preamble (WHEREAS, In 2024, the people of Washington State reaffirmed their resolve... by rejecting Initiative 2117...)Opposing new fossil fuel infrastructure reduces exposure to spills, explosions, and air pollution near homes, schools, and waterways — disproportionately benefiting communities near pipelines, refineries, or rail terminals.
Public SafetyRef: Preamble (WHEREAS, The construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure... exposes communities to untenable risks to public health and safety...)The resolution supports long-term job creation in clean energy, but as a *memorial* (not a bill), it has no direct funding or program authority — its economic impact depends on future legislation and federal action.
Business & EmploymentRef: Preamble (WHEREAS, The economic opportunities presented by a clean energy transition far outweigh the opportunities presented by an economy supported by expanding fossil fuel use and extraction...)
Potential Concerns (5)
This resolution affirms Washington’s existing climate laws and aligns state policy with scientific consensus on climate risks, reinforcing the state’s legal and policy framework for reducing climate-related hazards like wildfires, heat domes, and flooding. While symbolic, it strengthens the state’s moral and legal standing to defend and expand climate adaptation measures.
Public SafetyRef: Preamble & WHEREAS clauses (e.g., WHEREAS, Our entire society will be impacted...)By formally opposing new fossil fuel development, the resolution supports Washington’s existing regulatory trajectory (e.g., SB 5145 banning fracking), potentially reducing local air/water pollution and land degradation near extraction sites or transport infrastructure.
EnvironmentRef: BE IT RESOLVED, That Washington State agrees with the principle of the nonproliferation of fossil fuels and the need to end the expansion of new coal, oil, and gas production.The resolution emphasizes a *just transition* with enforceable labor standards (prevailing wages, apprenticeships), which could improve job quality for displaced fossil fuel workers and support union-standard employment in clean energy — though no funding or implementation mechanism is specified.
Business & EmploymentRef: BE IT RESOLVED, That Washington State affirms the need for a plan to phase out existing fossil fuel production that prioritizes the most impacted workers and local government services...The resolution frames climate action as intergenerational justice, potentially strengthening legal arguments for climate-related public health protections and long-term infrastructure resilience, benefiting future Washingtonians.
Public SafetyRef: Preamble (WHEREAS, Our youth and future generations have the most to lose...)Sending the resolution to international bodies raises Washington’s profile in global climate diplomacy, potentially attracting federal or international funding for clean energy projects — though this is speculative and not guaranteed.
Local GovernmentRef: BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to... the United Nations Secretary-General...
Who Is Most Affected
Fossil fuel workers and communities: Mixed impact. While the resolution commits to a just transition with labor protections, it does not guarantee jobs, retraining funding, or direct aid — benefits depend on future legislation and federal cooperation.
Frontline and vulnerable communities: Positive. The resolution explicitly centers equity and could strengthen legal and policy frameworks to reduce pollution and climate harms in overburdened neighborhoods — though concrete outcomes still require funding and enforcement.
State government and residents: Positive. The resolution reinforces Washington’s leadership in climate policy, potentially attracting federal grants and influencing national debate — but as a symbolic resolution, it imposes no new costs or mandates on state agencies.