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. 

That’s a wrap! The 2023 Washington Legislative Session officially concluded on April 23rd with significant wins for people and the environment. Because of your advocacy, the legislature approved historic investments to cut pollution and to fund environmental justice using Climate Commitment Act dollars, and passed the long-fought GMA climate bill that requires cities to plan for the climate crisis – fulfilling the Environmental Priorities Coalition’s climate agenda for 2023.

More wins! The 2023 Washington Legislative Session ended with two critical voting justice bills: 1) Removing superficial advisory votes from ballots and 2) Updating the state’s automatic voter registration. Passage of these bills represent significant voting justice progress in Washington State!

More space for orcas! Recently passed legislation will expand the buffer between Southern resident orcas and boats to 1,000 yards as of January 1, 2025, with outreach and education efforts to boaters happening in the meantime. This is a great step towards orca recovery by providing the space they need to forage, communicate, and socialize.

Now the not-so-good news: The statewide recycling reform bill (the WRAP Act) did not pass this year. Critical funding to restore salmon habitat also fell short – with many key projects remaining unfunded despite a 10-20% budget increase compared to past years. But it does not end here. The EPC is committed to continue advocating for transformative recycling laws and restoring endangered salmon next session.

WCA has been partnering with Kitsap County, Suquamish Tribe, and Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe on a new way to actively manage natural systems like forests, streams, and shorelines for the benefits that they provide – including supporting salmon populations, preventing flooding, and protecting shellfish. Our team was recently awarded a Puget Sound National Estuary Program grant to continue the work!

After nearly 30 years, the Department of Ecology is finally updating the state cleanup law, creating an opportunity to include environmental justice and climate change considerations to reduce the burden on our most impacted communities. Stay tuned on how you can make your voice heard on this issue!

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) – WCA supports RCV because it increases equity and benefits traditionally marginalized voters statewide. “... RCV results in fewer “wasted votes,” increased civil discourse, and equitable representation for women and people of color, who, in turn, can bring the voices of constituents all too often ignored, like those from the east side.” Read this op-ed about the benefits of RCV, a collaboration between Yakima activists and WCA.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Happening soon: 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!

Save Money and The Climate: In 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, putting historic investments into climate and clean energy. Join WCA in partnership with Oregon League of Conservation Voters and California Environmental Voters on May 24th for a webinar detailing how you can cut costs and cash in on clean energy! RSVP here.

Jackie has always been intrigued by the diversity of nature – the variety of biomes, ecosystems, species and their uniqueness engendered a passion to protect nature. Jackie’s environmental stewardship is also founded on the drive to dissolve barriers that cause unequal access to the serene outdoors. 

“...what I don’t love is how access to the outdoors is traditionally barred from low-income and BIPOC communities and how so many forests and critical wildlife habitat are being degraded in favor of profit - which is why I am at WCA today, to be one more person in the fight for tangible environmental change.”

Jackie chose to join WCA because it reflected her intersecting interests in electoral advocacy and environmental justice.

“I have interned for several local campaigns in the past and worked for numerous environmental organizations, but I had never done work within the legislature before. So, the Legislative and Field Organizing internship was perfect for that!”

Jackie’s favorite thing about her job is the opportunity to learn more about the legislative process, connecting with professionals in the field, and getting creative with digital advocacy products on social media.