House Environment and Energy Committee unanimously approves legislation from Rep. John Ley that would support construction and infrastructure by easing restrictions on aggregate and asphalt materials
CONTACT: Kent Livingston, Public Information Officer 2 | 360-786-7031
House Environment and Energy Committee unanimously approves legislation from Rep. John Ley that would support construction and infrastructure by easing restrictions on aggregate and asphalt materials
Rep. John Ley’s bill to modernize Washington’s regulations governing the use of naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials in construction received unanimous approval in the House Environment and Energy Committee on Monday.
House Bill 2605 addresses naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials found in common construction products such as commercial aggregates, asphalt, and concrete. These materials are widely used in roads, housing, and public works projects across Washington.
“Washington’s current asbestos laws were written to stop the intentional use of asbestos in building materials — and that’s an important protection,” said Ley, R-Vancouver. “But they were never meant to penalize materials that contain extremely small, naturally occurring trace amounts that pose minimal risk and are impossible to completely eliminate.”
Under current law, construction materials with even trace levels of naturally occurring asbestos can be subject to strict labeling, inspection, and use restrictions. HB 2605 would exempt commercial aggregates, asphalt, and concrete that contain 0.25 percent or less of naturally occurring fibrous silicate material from being classified as asbestos-containing building materials under state law.
“This bill would make building new homes, apartments, roads and sidewalks more affordable,” Ley said. “It would also be good for the environment as it allows for locally produced aggregates to be used in construction, instead of them being shipped from much longer distances.”
The bill does not allow the intentional addition of asbestos and does NOT roll back workplace safety protections enforced by the Department of Labor and Industries. Instead, it would provide clear, consistent standards that distinguish between hazardous asbestos products and low-risk, essential construction materials.
“This is about common sense,” Ley said. “We can protect workers and the public while also ensuring our infrastructure projects aren’t delayed by unnecessary red tape or regulatory uncertainty.”
If passed, the bill would help control construction costs, improve supply chain reliability, and reduce compliance burdens for Washington-based manufacturers and suppliers, particularly small and mid-sized businesses.
“From roads and bridges to homes and schools, aggregates and concrete are the backbone of our construction environment,” Ley added. “This bill would keep those projects moving while maintaining strong health and safety safeguards.”
The legislation now awaits a vote on the House floor.
