Women's History Month, Legislative March Madness, and more!

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Welcome to Synthesis — a 2-minute read to give you the quick hits of our recent work, to amplify our partners' projects, and to share important environmental stories.

Women have long been at the forefront of protecting people and nature as one. In observing Women’s History Month in March, we honor the women leaders who’ve shaped the conservation movement we know today. Read about them here. [[link removed]]

The 2021 Climate Commitment Act went into effect this year and has the potential to generate $1 billion in state revenue from polluters. Budget proposals were recently released by the House and Senate and we believe investments should prioritize just transition to clean energy, protecting our largest carbon sinks, and centering environmental justice. Tell your legislators to prioritize funding that meet the needs of communities across the state! [[link removed]]

We’re approaching the end of the 2023 Washington Legislative Session. Thanks to activists like you, the GMA Climate Bill, one of our environmental priorities [[link removed]], has made significant progress! Unfortunately, the WRAP Act, a major recycling reform bill, did not make it through. The fight continues to make fierce environmental progress.

WCA and coalition partner organizations are teaming up to urge legislators to take bold action to stop salmon extinction. We have a small window of opportunity to plan for the replacement of the services of the lower Snake River dams to aid salmon restoration. Add your name now. [[link removed]]

Are you or anyone you know running for office in 2023? Earn Washington Conservation Action’s endorsement! Across the state, we want to support candidates that champion the environment. We need representatives that will protect clean air, clean water, clean energy and healthy communities. Apply for our endorsement here. [[link removed]]

Get involved with our online WCA community! Join the WCA Digital Activists Group on Facebook to connect with others across the state who want to protect people and nature as one. Share trail recommendations, stories, and opportunities to take action with like-minded members. Request to join the group here. [[link removed]]

In your early 70’s, and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? If so, you probably know that the IRS requires you start making distributions from that account starting when you are 73 years old. These distributions are normally taxed as income at your current tax rate in the year you take them. However, if you make all or part of this distribution to Washington Conservation Action Education Fund, the portion given to us is tax-free! Click here to learn more [[link removed]].

We’re hiring! Multiple full-time positions are open to join the team at WCA. Interested in working with us? Apply now or help spread the word! [[link removed]]

UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the date: Join us May 5th at the Burke Museum for Bloom, Rising to new heights with Washington Conservation Action! This event celebrates uniting the power and brand equity of Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters. Tickets are limited, reserve your seat now! [[link removed]]

STAFF CORNER: Carlos Rojo (he/him)

Carlos is WCA’s Legislative and Field Organizing Intern for the Spring 2023 cohort. He is currently studying political science minoring in sociology at Washington State University. Carlos and his family immigrated to Everett from Sonora, Mexico and have remained in Washington ever since.

Carlos’ decision to get involved with WCA is rooted in his appreciation for the environment and desire to protect it. He is motivated to address environmental injustices in the form of unequal access to hazardous safety equipment – recognizing the lack thereof within industries primarily represented by low income workers and workers of color, and therefore increasing toxic exposure and health risks. He also recognizes the class and racial disparities in neighborhood access to basic environmental services such as recycling and waste disposal.

“Getting to learn about the work of environmental organizations and activists in fighting for environmental justice across the state is my favorite part about my internship.”

Carlos would like to highlight the work of Salmon People Project, who are fighting to restore salmon abundance, an essential resource for the Coast Salish Tribes.

RACIAL JUSTICE GLOSSARY

Cultural Burning

Cultural burning refers to the Indigenous practices of using controlled fires to modify and maintain landscapes such as forests and grasslands for a variety of ecological and social purposes, including but not limited to the creation of wildlife corridors; promoting fire-adapted plant species for medicinal, culinary, and material applications; and improving soil. Cultural burning can also result in decreased risk of wildfire severity, and many of the forests of what is now the western US are adapted to frequent, intentional burning. However, the federal and many state governments have prohibited cultural burning as part of their wildfire suppression policies. Recent and ongoing efforts are making progress in removing barriers to the inherent rights of Tribal nations to practice cultural burning.

Washington Conservation Action

1402 Third Avenue, Suite 1400 | Seattle, WA 98101

(206) 631-2600 | [email protected]

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