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Synthesis gives you a quick overview of our recent work, to amplify our partners' work, and to share important environmental stories.

February is Black History Month. Here at WCA, we know that the fierce progress and significant achievements made in the conservation movement would not have happened without the contributions and leadership of Black people and communities. Check out our blog about Black conservationists in Washington and in history. [[link removed]]

The 2025 Washington legislative session is in full swing! The Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC) is working hard to advance our four priorities. EPC sends weekly emails summarizing actions to support the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, the “Sewage Right-to-Know” bill, the “Recycling Reform Act,” and investing in climate action. Sign up to receive these weekly action digests here. [[link removed]]

One of EPC’s priorities, The Advanced Clean Truck rule is an important tool for Washington to clean up dirty diesel pollution from big trucks, vans, and buses. This rule helps protect your lungs and neighborhoods. Email your legislators. Urge them to keep this rule that requires truck makers to do their part to clean up the air! [[link removed]]

Another EPC priority, “Sewage Spill Right-to-Know,” would require the Department of Ecology to create a public-facing website with maps and searchable sewage spill records. Show your support for this policy by signing in PRO on HB 1670 [[link removed]] before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 2/4, and signing in PRO on SB 5450 [[link removed]] before 10 a.m. on Friday, 2/7.

The Recycling Reform Act, an EPC priority, will require packaging and paper product companies and brands to fund our recycling system. This will bring reliable and accessible recycling to all state residents. Read and share this article by King 5 [[link removed]] detailing how this policy would revolutionize Washington’s recycling system!

For years, Washington State has taken the lead in safeguarding voting rights. We must continue to defend everyone's right to a political voice! Join others in the movement to speak out against voter injustice and to defend our democracy. Register for the 2025 Democracy Lobby Day by Feb 8. [[link removed]]

WCA staff and board members with Denis Hayes, CEO of the Bullitt Foundation and principal national organizer of the first Earth Day in 1970.

With federal rollbacks threatening environmental protections and community rights, our strength is in the coalitions we’ve built here in Washington. Your gift to WCA powers the movement fighting for bold climate action, protecting our communities, and proving that progress is not only possible—it’s happening. Safeguard our future by donating today! [[link removed]]

On his first day in office, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove announced a 6-month pause on timber sales of certain mature forests, delivering on his campaign promises. WCA is excited to support the new commissioner and to continue to work on win-win solutions that protect people and nature as one while supporting rural communities. Read more here. [[link removed]]

In December 2023, the Biden Administration took historic action by committing to restore salmon in the Northwest and honor obligations to Tribes, setting a path to breach four lower Snake River dams. This significant victory was led by a coalition of the Six Sovereigns: the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, as well as the states of Washington and Oregon. Read more here. [[link removed]]

The $100,000 Bullitt Prize is awarded annually to emerging leaders for conservation and environmental justice. The next Bullitt Prize application opens in less than a month on March 1, 2025. Stay tuned for more information.

We are thrilled to congratulate and introduce Christina Billingsley as the new Board Chair for Washington Conservation Action Education Fund! Christina is the first woman of color to hold this position. She started as a GOTV volunteer in 2018 and has served on WCAEF’s board for years. We’re excited for Christina’s leadership.

Washington Conservation Action Education Fund is holding its annual event—CASCADE, Building Power, Moving Mountains —Friday, May 2, 2025, at 6 p.m. at The King Street Ballroom in Seattle. Come gather together in community and help keep Washington a national leader on climate. I'm in! Reserve your seat here. [[link removed]]

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Heidi Cody

Heidi (she/her) is WCA's SW Washington Field Manager and the Coalition Manager for Alliance for Community Engagement (ACE) SW WA. She currently lives in Vancouver.

Heidi became an active volunteer when she realized the climate crisis needed urgent action. She initially got connected with WCA as a volunteer, and now she is a full-time organizer with WCA.

At work, she organizes community in Clark and Cowlitz Counties, supports their candidates, and works to advance environmental policy.

"Right now I am working on Comprehensive Planning at the City of Vancouver and in Clark County, helping activists in Cowlitz County organize for a sustainable future and supporting WA Ecology’s efforts to expand Vancouver’s air monitoring network."

In her personal life, Heidi is busy supporting her 12-year old and elderly parents. When she has time to herself, Heidi prioritizes self-care through yoga and exercise. She loves science fiction, dance, and spending time with friends.

RACIAL JUSTICE GLOSSARY

Racial Justice

The work to uproot historically racist systems and replace them with fair, just, and equitable policies and practices.

Racial Equity

Providing everyone what they need to be successful by taking race and the impacts of racism into account. This is distinct from racial equality, which is treating everyone the same.

Washington Conservation Action

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