Washington’s primary election is Tuesday, August 4. Are you registered to vote?
You already know there are many ways to work toward a brighter future for people and nature. We know because hundreds of you volunteer with us - on our preserves, in our offices and in our communities. Many more of you donate your hard-earned money to help us achieve our mission. Thousands have heeded our calls to contact lawmakers and urge their support for legislation that will bolster climate resilience, protect critical wildlife habitat and expand access to nature for people everywhere.
However you prefer to support nature, there’s another simple, very important thing you can do: vote.
It’s easy to forget - especially in these days of restricted international travel - that the right to vote is not enjoyed by everyone around the world. And far too many Americans neglect to participate in our democracy through this simple act. But especially here in Washington, it’s pretty easy: our vote-by-mail system allows residents to take their time, do their research and make their choices from home.
As we look ahead to our country’s economic recovery, we have the opportunity to imagine a better future - one in which people and nature can thrive together. And, as in any election year, we have the opportunity to vote for that future by electing leaders who share our values.
You can register online with the Secretary of State until July 27, and in person until Election Day. Not sure whether or where you’re registered? Start by checking the Secretary of State’s website.
Voting is crucial, but there’s no limit to how deeply you can engage in shaping public policy. Your elected officials work for you: It’s important they know what matters to you, your family and your community. In addition to making sure you’re registered to vote, check to be sure you know who represents you now at the Legislature and in Congress. Then, give them a call or send them a note!
Want to take the next step? Sign up for policy updates and advocacy opportunities by clicking the button below. We’ll update you on what’s happening in Olympia and Washington, D.C., and let you know how you can help shape a better future for nature and people.
The Washington State Legislature wrapped up its 2024 session. We celebrate new investments in climate resilience and the clean energy transition, while reflecting on the complex dynamics of protecting our state’s Climate Commitment Act.
The 2024 state legislative session is underway! The Nature Conservancy’s highest priority for the 2024 legislative session is ensuring the success of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). With revenue from the CCA cap-and-invest program, we have an opportunity this session to make big investments in Natural Climate Solutions, a just transition, Environmental Justice Council recommendations, and investments to attract federal climate funding.
Local elected officials and community leaders join TNC staff for a tour of the Greening Research in Tacoma (GRIT) project, to learn about opportunities to improve air quality and green infrastructure in communities overburdened by pollution.
State Legislators visit the Cle Elum Ridge to learn about about TNC’s forest health work, including prescribed fire, tree thinning, and tree mastication. State funds secured thanks to House Bill 1168 help to make wildfire resilience work possible.
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.