Washington is about to take big strides on climate, and we need you to take action!
The power of your voice and the strength of coalitions has been critical to climate policy in our state, and this year is no different. The Legislature convened (virtually) this week for the 2021 session, and from now through April, lawmakers will set policies that shape Washington’s future.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, climate action remains a top priority for Washingtonians and our lawmakers. This year’s House of Representatives guidelines ask members to only introduce bills that address racial justice, COVID-19, climate change, the economy and public health.
These are complex and interrelated challenges. None will be solved with a single policy. Lawmakers are considering several proposals –developed and vetted with diverse communities and stakeholders across the state and poised to address several challenges at once – that we’re urging them to approve.
Our priority proposals include the Clean Fuel Standard (HB 1091), a bill to reduce air pollution by requiring cleaner transportation fuels and invest in communities where pollution from cars and trucks has caused outsized human and environmental health problems.
Another bill, the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, directly addresses inequitable environmental health disparities in Washington: based on the recommendations from the state Environmental Justice Task Force, the HEAL Act outlines steps state government should take to integrate environmental justice into the everyday work of state agencies and new and ongoing policy development. We are working closely with partners in the environmental and social justice communities to advocate for these critical bills, among many others.
Governor Inslee has once again made climate action central to his agenda, providing further momentum for action as we headed into this session. In addition to supporting the Clean Fuel Standard, the governor has proposed a Climate Commitment Act (SB 5126) to reduce statewide emissions and invest in clean energy and community climate resilience. We are deeply engaged with the Governor’s office and with the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Reuven Carlyle, in shaping this evolving policy to ensure it is effective and informed by the voices of those whose communities are impacted most by climate change and other environmental harms.
Clean energy and the clean jobs needed for its infrastructure are part of a comprehensive climate change strategy in Washington. Photo by Cameron Karsten.
There is much work to be done, and it’s clear that environmental and climate solutions must work for people – all people – in order for them to work at all. Human well-being and healthy nature are inextricable. When we create policy that cleans our air and water or otherwise builds resilience in our natural world, we make our communities healthier and safer, too. These are all urgent needs. And we can meet them – together.
Over the coming weeks, we will keep you informed on the progress of these and more priorities on the move through the legislative process. Make sure you’re signed up for updates – your voice is the key to comprehensive and equitable climate action in Washington!
Comprehensive climate action also includes a suite of solutions that only nature can provide. When we partner with nature—and each other—we can make a big difference.
Banner photo by Jacob Hall.
