The countdown is on as the state Legislature works diligently to pass budgets and bills before the 2021 session concludes on April 25.
Speak Up for Nature
Legislators need to hear your voice — head to our action page to speak up for a better tomorrow today.
Many of our top priority policies have made it this far, with a big victory to note: The House and Senate both unanimously approved House Bill 1168 to support forest health, wildfire preparedness and community resilience, and both chambers’ Operating budgets include funding for implementation. This is a major step forward for proactively managing Washington state’s wildfire challenges.
But the work isn’t done yet — and we need your help!
Good news! The Clean Fuel Standard (HB 1091) has passed both chambers at the Legislature. However, the House’s version of the bill is significantly stronger than the Senate’s. Lawmakers are now negotiating to resolve the chambers’ differing versions of the bill, so your senator needs to hear your support for a strong final policy to head to the Governor’s desk.
The Department of Health’s Environmental Health Disparities Map illustrates the relative pollution burden among communities across Washington, revealing significant inequities and alarming levels of pollution. The data behind the map make a compelling argument for the importance of the HEAL Act and a Clean Fuel Standard in Washington.
Many other bills are also in the concurrence or conference stage of the legislative process.
A Healthy Environment for All
We’re advocating with a broad group of partners for the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act (SB 5141), which implements the recommendations of the state’s Environmental Justice Task Force. Incorporating environmental justice principles and practices into how state government serves Washingtonians would be an important step on the path to a more equitable, sustainable future. And it would make a big difference for the health of people across Washington, especially in communities that bear disproportionately high health risks due from pollution and other environmental harms.
Thanks for speaking up!
We’re almost there, but it’s not time to declare victory yet. With your voice in the chorus, we can be sure we’ve done all we can to urge our Legislature to create a Washington where people and nature can truly thrive together.
Banner photo by Cameron Karsten
