July Recap! | Synthesis, our monthly e-newsletter

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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.

At Washington Conservation Action, we believe in the power of meaning – leaning into what we feel is enshrined in the original ideals of “conservation.” While we acknowledge the term’s complex history, we believe “conservation” has broad awareness across the state of Washington. Check out our blog [[link removed]] about what conservation means to us in protecting people and nature as one.

Yesterday, August 1, was the Primary Election in Washington. We thank you for casting your vote and helping advance bold progress on the issues we all care about. Our democracy is stronger when we all participate. Now, let’s gear up to elect environmental champions in the General Election on November 7!

Big Oil CEOs are known for their greed and their lies – putting profits over people and the planet. It’s no surprise that they are pulling all the stops to slow progress on climate and make us pay for it. Sign this petition now to put a stop to Big Oil CEOs’ greedy profiteering at the expense of everyday Washingtonians. [[link removed]]

A win for climate and clean buildings! Last month, the natural gas industry attempted to take down a Building Code rule that requires new buildings use 100 percent electric appliances – and they lost. Indoor air pollution from gas stoves and other gas appliances adds to health challenges in communities of color. This puts Washington back on track toward environmental justice and achieving our climate goals by 2050!

Another win! Plaintiffs who were trying to stop progress in reducing transportation pollution withdrew their lawsuit against the state. That means Washington will continue to move forward to reduce transportation-caused air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Requirements that address access and transition to zero emission vehicles will stay in place.

Last month, a majority of King County Councilmembers came forward in a letter [[link removed]] to demand the delay of the Wishbone Timber Sale, an old growth forest DNR planned to sell at auction on July 25. Fortunately, the auction was delayed. We applaud Councilmembers Dembowski, Upthegrove, Kohl-Wells, Perry, McDermott, Zahilay, and Balducci for stepping up to protect our state’s forests, a precious resource and vital carbon sink.

The annual Carbon Friendly Forestry Conference returns for the seventh year! This year, the conference will be a series of virtual events held on November 1, 8, and 15. The conference will invite exploration and discussion of the intersections of forest management, communities, climate change and more in West Coast working forests. Sign up for the Carbon Conference outreach list and be the first to know about registration! [[link removed]]

The four lower Snake River dams remain a threat to salmon extinction. Indigenous Nations, fishing communities, wildlife and ecosystems depend upon this amazing fish. Federal lawmakers must act boldly to restore and recover the salmon runs. Send a message to Senators Murray and Cantwell now! [[link removed]]

You make possible the work that Washington Conservation Action does to protect people and nature as one. To do that work, we’d like to know more about you. We’ve extended the deadline for our 2023 Member Survey to August 31, 2023. Complete the survey now [[link removed]] for a chance to win a bundle of exciting Northwest gifts!

STAFF CORNER: Heather Millar (she/her)

Heather is the content manager for Washington Conservation Action. She moved from San Francisco to Seattle 18 months ago. Heather has been an independent journalist for decades, writing magazine articles, blog posts and books, mostly about science and the environment.

She is constantly in awe of how vast, varied, weird, and beautiful our planet is:

“I wish that more people would see that people and nature are not separate. We are all part of this blue-green oasis on the edge of a galaxy. We should treasure this place as we treasure ourselves, and treat it accordingly.”

When she found herself at a career crossroads, she placed Washington Conservation Action at the top of her list of places she would like to work.

“[WCA] has a long track record of milestones, from the founding of the Department of Ecology decades ago to the historic Climate Commitment Act that went into effect this year and will make possible bold progress on climate. WCA makes the connections between environmental degradation and social and environmental justice.”

At work, Heather enjoys being surrounded by smart, thoughtful colleagues and being able to write about all the cool things this organization is doing. In her freetime, she loves to garden, hike, cycle, ski, camp and kayak.

RACIAL JUSTICE GLOSSARY

Solidarity

The union arising from common responsibilities and interests. Standing in solidarity means embracing the common responsibility and leveraging our privilege to reform the inherent racism worldwide.

Washington Conservation Action

1402 Third Avenue, Suite 1400 | Seattle, WA 98101

(206) 631-2600 | [email protected]

EIN: 91-0839385

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