Government Relations

The 2024 Legislative Session: Reflections on Advancing Climate Action

The 2024 Legislative Session: Reflections on Advancing Climate Action

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.

Our Priorities for the 2024 State Legislative Session

Our Priorities for the 2024 State Legislative Session

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.

The Power of Trees: A Walking Tour of Air Quality and Urban Forests in South Tacoma

The Power of Trees: A Walking Tour of Air Quality and Urban Forests in South Tacoma

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.

A Walk in the Cle Elum Ridge Forest with Washington State Legislators

A Walk in the Cle Elum Ridge Forest with Washington State Legislators

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.

Our Commitment to Climate Policy Advocacy & Implementation

Our Commitment to Climate Policy Advocacy & Implementation

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.

2023 Legislative Session Ends with Big Wins for Air Quality, Resiliency Planning, and Clean Energy 

2023 Legislative Session Ends with Big Wins for Air Quality, Resiliency Planning, and Clean Energy 

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 Legislative Day 2023

Trustee Legislative Day 2023

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.  

Making Sense of Proposed Legislative Budgets

Making Sense of Proposed Legislative Budgets

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. 

Building Washington's Sustainable Future

Building Washington's Sustainable Future

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.

Legislative Halftime Report: Strong Momentum for Climate in Olympia

Legislative Halftime Report: Strong Momentum for Climate in Olympia

The 2023 legislative session is half-way complete - let’s check in on our priority bills, and what’s left to come.

The Teanaway Community Forest: Building Community Through Conservation

The Teanaway Community Forest: Building Community Through Conservation

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.

Planning for a Climate-Adaptive Future

Planning for a Climate-Adaptive Future

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.

Our 2023 State Legislative Priorities

Our 2023 State Legislative Priorities

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.