2008 Session

2008 Legislature Makes Progress on Environmental Priorities

Despite a short 60-day session and a chilly revenue forecast, progress was made on all of the environmental community’s Priorities for a Healthy Washington this year. A focus on climate change proved largely successful with an emphasis on “green jobs” and reducing the amount of miles people drive. Another big win was on a Local Farms- Healthy Kids proposal. The other two Priorities that passed Evergreen Cities and Local Solutions to Global Warming. In all cases these new laws create a good foundation to build for the future.

The Governor played a key role in addressing global warming by requesting the Climate Action and Green Jobs legislation on the first day of session and then pushing it forward at critical times. This bill links strong climate action with a real commitment to expand economic opportunity for all in the green economy. It creates a solid foundation for implementing a comprehensive climate policy across the Western states and provinces in 2009.

Description of the Four '08 Priorities

• Climate Action & Green Jobs (HB2815) – this law sets responsible limits on climate pollution, sets a path for creating a “green jobs” economy, and reduces miles traveled – a key step given ½ of our global warming pollution comes from cars and trucks. Contact: Becky Kelley, Washington Environmental Council, 206-631-2602
• Local Solutions to Global Warming (SB6580) – this law develops tools that will help local governments make land use and zoning decisions that reduce driving and meet the growing demand for green, walkable communities. Contact: April Putney, Futurewise, 206-450-3622
• Evergreen Cities (HB2844) – this law will help retain and replant trees in urban areas, reduce stormwater flooding and pollution as well as increase quality of life. Contact: Lisa Paribello, Audubon Washington, 360-786-8020
• Local Farms - Healthy Kids (SB6483) – this law makes Washington a national leader in the local food movement by getting more Washington grown produce into our schools and food banks, thus improving children’s health and creating new and thriving markets for our farmers. Contact: Mo McBroom, Washington Environmental Council, 206-631-2603

While it is not known what the 2009 Priorities will be, it is anticipated that 2009 will be a big year and the longer session will be a key time for continued work on climate change and Puget Sound protection.

Priorities for a Healthy Washington is a collaborative effort of leading groups in the state pushing for improved protections for the health of people, land, air and water of the state. In 2008 the groups are:

• American Rivers
• Audubon Washington
• Climate Solutions
• Conservation Northwest
• Earth Ministry
• Environment Washington
• Fuse
• Futurewise
• Heart of America Northwest
• League of Women Voters of Washington
• Lutheran Public Policy Office
• National Wildlife Federation
• NW Energy Coalition
• People For Puget Sound
• Sierra Club
• Surfrider Foundation
• Transportation Choices Coalition
• The Nature Conservancy
• Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation
• Washington Conservation Voters
• Washington Environmental Council
• Washington Toxics Coalition
• Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition