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John,

Now that the legislative session has officially ended, here at WCA we’ve digested everything that was accomplished –

Here are a few highlights of this year’s major environmental victories:

Planning for a climate-friendly future: HB 1181 is a landmark piece of forward-thinking legislation we’ve worked on for three years. Under this now-law, Washington cities and counties planning under the 30-year old Growth Management Act (GMA) must include comprehensive plans for climate resilience and addressing the impacts of climate change, with particular focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

Investing in climate action: Originally passed during the 2021 session, the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is the nation’s strongest polluter-pay law to cut carbon pollution, reduce harmful emissions, and invest in the health of our communities. This year’s Legislature allocated nearly $2 billion of CCA funds towards forest management, clean transportation, air quality projects, direct support for overburdened and tribal communities, and more.

Protecting salmon habitats: This year, WA legislators dedicated more funding than ever to the recovery, restoration, and protection of salmon habitats–and even invested in planning for the removal of the Lower Snake River dams. As salmon runs continue to dwindle across the state, this support will deliver a much-needed boost to on-the-ground conservation efforts.

Reducing waste: While the WRAP Act was not passed this session, dollars included in the 2023 budget pays for a study of the bill’s key components and potential benefits. This will ensure that Washington remains committed to waste reduction, improving recycling outcomes, and holding producers accountable.

State legislators in Olympia invested a landmark $83 million in forest conservation and ecological forest management practices to boost carbon sequestration on state lands. Preserving older forests and buying additional forest land maintains a vital cultural and economic engine in small communities across Washington, avoids significant carbon emissions, and ensures that our state’s most cost-effective carbon sinks continue to clean our air.

Washington continues to be a true leader in addressing the climate crisis, and that’s thanks to fierce environmental leaders in state and local governments – and folks just like you.

We made important progress this year, and while we celebrate these wins for people and our environment, we must continue working together for a sustainable future. Bold climate action can’t wait.

Sign on here to thank Washington’s legislators for their hard work this year, and let them know we’re ready to keep fighting! [[link removed]]

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Stay tuned as we map out the road ahead, John. Thank you for being a part of this movement.

– Washington Conservation Action

Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters are now unified under one brand, Washington Conservation Action. [[link removed]]

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Washington Conservation Action

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