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Politics & Government

Keeping Warm Could Become More Difficult

Given the very real issue of power outages, Joan Probala argues against legislating removal of woodstoves as a point of sale provision for real estate transactions.

The Northwest is home to sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and those who truly believe in protecting the environment. There are many rules and regulations that are helping to ensure that our natural resources are and will be maintained and even improved for future generations.

But, have we gone too far in some instances with good intentions?

Last legislative session, Realtors® successfully worked to remove a section from a Department of Ecology bill, SB 5432, which would have added a point of sale provision for the removal or conversion of woodstoves prior to the closing of a sale. Their reasoning was based on such a requirement would add a significant burden to the transaction.

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After our last snow storm and revolving power outages, it is clear that there would be a more pressing problem with the elimination of wood stoves/fireplaces. For those without generators or the ability to book a hotel room, the fireplace was their only source of heat. Until all power lines are safely secured underground, woodstoves play an important role in protecting the health of our citizens.

Unfortunately, the quest for the perfect carbon footprint with the elimination of fireplaces has resurfaced and Realtors® are actively working to again explain the problems of this type of legislation.

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There are so many other ways to help the environment. Every step towards green is a step in the right direction. Whether you change one habit or your entire way of living, your actions can reduce your carbon footprint and make a world of difference in the long run.

The Realtor GREEN Resource Council provides a tool to help you measure the impact your carbon footprint has on our climate.

Promoting the use of GREEN products and explaining why they produce a cost savings, protect the environment and promote healthier living will produce a greater impact on the environment than mandating the elimination of woodstoves.

There are many organizations that have had success promoting the importance of protecting the environment and there are many individuals that have taken up the challenge. Realtors® are doing their part.

The Realtors® Environmental Council (TREC), is a combined educational/volunteer initiative of the Seattle KingCounty Realtors®. SKCR established TREC to be a nonprofit affiliate to promote environmental stewardship among Realtors®, its affiliate members and homeowners, and to support projects and policies to preserve a healthy natural environment. Realtors participate in yearly projects and provide information on resources that will help their clients with lowering their heating bills, adding value with GREEN improvements on existing homes and working with builders to explain what terms like LEED mean in new construction.

Now is the time to let your legislator know that there are more sensible ways to protect our natural resources.

Joan Probala is the managing broker for Issaquah Windermere (Windermere Real Estate/East Inc.). She has 30 years of experience in real estate, construction and sales. She is president-elect (2012) of the Seattle King County Association of Realtors.

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