In the waning hours of the 2021 session and the day after Earth Day, the Washington House of Representatives passed the Climate Commitment Act in a floor vote of 54-43. Today, the Senate concurred in the House’s amendments, sending the bill to Governor Inslee’s desk for his signature.
Once signed into law, Washington will have a firm statewide cap on climate pollution, covering 75% of the greenhouse gas emissions for the state.
Support for this historic policy is broad and diverse. Key leaders lent their voices in celebration of the pending law:
The Climate Commitment Act is a necessary component of Washington’s carbon reduction strategy, including funding investments in air quality improvements in overburdened communities, transit access and mobility equity, and electrification. A consistent majority of Washington voters support the Legislature cutting carbon pollution and to take strong climate action.
Banner photo: Cape Flattery, Makah Tribal Lands by Elise Eliot
Since 2016, The Nature Conservancy in Washington’s involvement in the climate advocacy space has progressively increased. Throughout this journey we’ve seen that partnerships and coalitions are one of the most powerful ways to achieve broad support for climate legislation.
The 2023 Legislative Session in Olympia saw some major achievements for nature and people: investments in improving air quality, natural climate solutions, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, and better long-term resiliency planning. A big thanks to our staff who dedicated their efforts to our priorities.
Trustee Lobby Day is a highlight every year here at The Nature Conservancy. It’s a wonderful reminder of the real reason for our advocacy and policy efforts- to strengthen the relationship between people and nature so that both can thrive.
Passing a budget is one of the most important roles the State Legislature plays, as it determines how policies will be implemented and reflects what we value as a state. Our team dug into the details to see how our priorities are faring so far.
Realizing our clean energy future means rapidly transitioning to a clean, affordable, reliable, and sufficiently expansive energy grid. With HB 1216, the Washington State Legislature has the opportunity to take an important step towards that this session.
The 2023 legislative session is half-way complete - let’s check in on our priority bills, and what’s left to come.
Nestled in the mountains of the Central Cascades, the Teanaway Community Forest (50,241 acres) has been a conservation gem intended as a refuge for people as much as nature. In the past ten years, transformative restoration efforts including wildfire prevention and stream restoration have created a healthier forest that benefits people, wildlife, and the lands. There’s more work to be done.
Thirty years ago, Washington passed the Growth Management Act (GMA)—legislation that has helped communities across the state plan ahead. In the face of a changing climate, it’s become clear that the GMA also needs to be updated for our new climate realities.
In addition to building on the progress of the last few years, the 2023 state legislative session presents a momentous opportunity to invest in nature and people with the 2023-25 biennial budget.
Speak up for cleaner air for all Washington’s communities by submitting a public comment to the Department of Ecology as they shape our new air quality program.
The Inflation Reduction Act is a big win for climate action. Here’s what it means for Washington.
The Inflation Reduction Act is on its way to President Biden’s desk, putting the U.S. on the path to reducing emissions by 40% by 2030.
Members of our all-volunteer Board of Trustees trekked to Virtual Olympia for an action-packed day of discussing our legislative priorities. It’s more exciting than it sounds!
On the heels of big legislative wins in 2021, this year’s state legislative session is an opportunity to advance important work for nature and people in Washington.
Major steps forward for nature and climate: the federal bipartisan infrastructure bill is about to become law!
Our volunteer Board of Trustees issued a resolution calling on Congress to protect the climate-change mitigation and resiliency provisions in the infrastructure and budget reconciliation packages currently under debate in Washington, DC.
The success of the 2021 legislative session wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Tribal nations, Black- and Latinx-led organizations, and voices from communities of color calling for progress on climate justice.
With a virtual legislative session, it’s easier than ever to speak up for nature - and it’s FAST!
The state House of Representatives passed historic climate legislation today.
The Legislature is close to several BIG wins for people and nature — can you help get us across the finish line?