Cheney Free Press -

OLYMPIA – A bill to help cool heat-emitting cities such as Seattle passed the House and Senate unanimously, and is on its way to the governor.

The measure was introduced by Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, who represents the 9th Legislative District, which includes southern Spokane County.

Dye said larger cities retain heat from rooftops, pavement and other heat-absorbing materials, creating what is known as “urban heat islands.”

“During the summer, downtown Seattle can be as much as 17 degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas,” Dye said. “These hotter temperatures not only affect...