Environmental agenda moving forward

Priorities for a Healthy Washington, a coalition of the groups that make up the environmental community in Washington, reports on its success:

For the fifth year in a row, the Priorities for a Healthy Washington coalition has come together to advance four proposals in the state legislature to improve the health of Washington's people, land, air and water. We have exciting news: more than half way through the 2007 Legislature, your voice is being heard loud and clear - we are on track to succeed with all four efforts!

Item number one:

The bill (ESHB 1024) to eliminate toxic flame retardants, sponsored by Ross Hunter, passed in the House by a huge margin of 71-24 on February 16th. There was significant support for the bill and all amendments to weaken the bill were defeated. Our first hearing in the Senate is March 20th at 10:00 am. We need to keep the momentum going as the chemical industry continues to fight hard to kill this bill. That’s why we have launched a campaign to have supporters to take a photo holding an "I want to be PBDE Free" sign. PBDE is the toxic chemical that this bill would outlaw.

Item number two:

The 2007 session will lay the foundation for a whole new approach to oversee the clean up and restoration of Puget Sound. Two bills are moving forward, ESSB 5372 sponsored by Phil Rockefeller, and ESSHB 1374,sponsored by Dave Upthegrove, that would create a new state agency to get the job done. Both bills passed their respective chambers with wide support, 41-5 (Senate) and 78-19 (House). The bills will continue to be worked on, and our goal is a single bill that includes the best from both - so that the new Puget Sound agency can attain real accountability for results and achieve recovery of the Sound by 2020.

Item number three:

The Clean Air-Clean Fuels bill (HB 1303), sponsored by Mary Lou Dickerson, passed out of the House on March 10th on a 79-18 vote. The bill would deliver better air quality, reduced petroleum dependence, practical climate solutions, and a new source of good jobs in Washington. The next stop is the Senate environmental committee, where there will be hearing on March 21st. For more information on this bill and to take action visit:

And last, but certainly not least:

As our state's population grows, so too does the need for parks, trails, fish and wildlife habitat, and productive farmland. We are working to fund 133 projects for parks and wildlife across the state by increasing the state's two-year investment to $100 million. The House will release its Capital Budget in mid-March, which then will be sent to the Senate. Negotiations are under way, so contact your legislators today! Learn what projects are proposed for your city, county or legislative district and take action to protect them.

In addition, bills that would protect an aquatic reserve on Puget Sound's Maury Island and develop targets for reducing greenhouse gas pollution have passed out of the state Senate and are now being considered by the House.

To leave a message with your legislator, contact the Legislative Hotline at the in-state toll-free phone number at 1-800-562-6000.