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. 

In case you missed it, the 2023 Washington Legislature concluded with more fierce progress for orcas by expanding buffer zones for boats by 1,000 yards! Continue celebrating and protecting orcas with us throughout Orca Action Month this June! Attend a kickoff event happening near you and check out other activities throughout the month here.

If it harms tribes, it’s not clean energy. On May 22, the Dept. of Ecology approved the water quality certification for the Goldendale Energy Pumped Storage, a project WCA along with the Yakama Nation and other environmental groups strongly oppose because its development would permanently damage irreplaceable Tribal treaty and cultural resources. Read our statement here.

Bloom, our annual gathering at the Burke Museum on May 5 was a huge success! Over 300 people joined us in celebration of our new brand and to support our work in protecting people and nature as one. Thanks to generous donors and attendees, we met our fundraising goal and raised over $130,000 to support Washington Conservation Action Education Fund! Check out pictures from the event here. 

Election season is around the corner! Here at WCA, we work to elect environmental champions across the state. For every election, we endorse candidates who will fight for environmental progress as well as ballot measures that will protect people and nature as one. Check out our first round of endorsements here and see if your candidates are endorsed by us!

Cheers to salmon safe beer! WCA, collaborated with Washington Wild and Lucky Envelope to produce the We Are Puget Sound Hazy Pale Ale. It features exclusively salmon safe grains from Linc Malt and hops from Yakima Chief Hops. Available for a limited time, don’t forget to enjoy salmon safe beer this summer available at Lucky Envelope Brewery and its distributor partners. Join us for a celebration happening June 15!

Last month, WCA and our West Coast affiliates, Oregon League of Conservation Voters and California Environmental Voters hosted a webinar on how residents can cut costs on clean energy from the benefits provided by the Affordable Clean Energy Plan. Missed the webinar? Catch up on the recording here.

May was National Wildfire Preparedness Month! Throughout the month of May, organizations nationwide are raising awareness to reduce wildfire risks and keep your neighborhood safe. Read about tools and safety tips to help your community prepare for wildfire season here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The We are Puget Sound traveling exhibit is back and live at the Burke Museum in Seattle! Take a stunning visual journey through the web of marine wildlife of the Salish Sea and join the campaign to protect and restore it. If you are in the area, don’t miss it!

Celebrate Pride with us! Join WCA, QPOC Hikers, and Patagonia for a weekend of events bringing together LGBTQIA+ community members who care about environmental justice and crave a space to connect outdoors in the Seattle area. More info here.

Growing up, Yvonne always felt connected to the environment and that created a strong desire to protect it. She is interested in pursuing a career pathway in the renewable energy sector specializing in solar cells and improving the power grid. 

As part of her program, Yvonne had the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through volunteering. She chose to serve Washington Conservation Action to support our work in advancing environmental and energy policies that equitably addresses climate pollution. She is drawn to WCA's approach in addressing urgent environmental issues through advocacy and organizing.

This volunteer program has allowed Yvonne to directly apply theoretical knowledge from her courses and gain valuable professional experience.

"My favorite part of my job so far has been being able to learn and gain experience within WCA. I don’t have much experience, but the people I have met have been wonderful. They make this volunteering even more worthwhile."