Earth Share of Washington

Focusing for 2006: Priorities for a Healthy Washington

- Submitted by Washington Environmental Council

By working together, the environmental community achieved major wins last spring in the 2005 Legislative Session. A coalition of Washington environmental groups helped pass legislation setting new, cleaner car emissions standards, and they helped establish the nation’s first green building law requiring new public construction to use sustainable materials and design concepts. Passing these bills wasn’t easy, but it was made possible by thousands of environmentally minded people across the state who came together to support these priorities by spreading the word, writing to their newspaper, and calling their legislators to demand change.

This year is no different. The environmental coalition has narrowed their agenda to just a handful of joint priorities for the 2006 legislative session. They’re organizing for energy security, a cleaner Puget Sound, electronics recycling and the elimination of toxic flame retardants. They are also united to defend our state’s land protections. Their shared goal is to have these priorities signed into law in 2006 to ensure that our health and the health of our environment and economy will be protected.

Priorities for a Healthy Washington - 2006

• Promote Energy Independence Through Renewable Fuels. “Biofuelsâ€? – renewable fuels produced using plant materials – can dramatically improve our energy security and agricultural viability by reducing expenditures on imported petroleum and providing a major new market for Washington farm products. Biofuels reduce emissions of global warming pollution, which is a serious threat for our snow pack-dependent region. By replacing some of our gasoline and diesel fuel with renewable fuels, this legislation will increase our energy independence by powering our lives, our jobs and our economy with homegrown fuels.
• Launch Electronic Waste Recycling. Millions of unwanted computers, monitors and TVs are piling up in homes in Washington State, and there are relatively few options available for their safe recycling. These obsolete electronics turn into millions of pounds of “e-wasteâ€? each year, which contains toxic chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment. This legislation will give people a simple, free and safe way of recycling their old computers and TVs, creating jobs, conserving valuable resources and protecting public health.
• Clean Up Puget Sound. Puget Sound is in trouble. The water is polluted, our Orcas are endangered, and dead zones have destroyed marine habitat. Unfortunately, a recent Puget Sound Action Team report on the state of the Sound found that the solutions underway and those proposed are not scaled, paced or funded to match the magnitude of the problems the Sound faces. In this first step of our two year priority, we are working to support the Governor’s Puget Sound Initiative and to promote funding for cleanups, water quality improvements and shoreline restoration.
• Protect Kids’ Health by Eliminating Toxic Flame Retardants. PBDEs are persistent toxic chemicals used as flame retardants in countless consumer products including televisions, computers, furniture, and carpet. Chemical cousins of PCBs, these toxic flame retardants are rapidly building up in our bodies, our food supply, and wildlife. Building upon the significant progress made on this issue in 2005, the coalition will work to pass a bill that bans PBDEs, particularly the most heavily used form called “decaâ€?.

In addition, the defensive priority is to protect our quality of life from efforts to roll back land protections. The Growth Management Act has helped maintain a high quality of life in Washington over the past 15 years even as we have faced dramatic population growth. Unfortunately, these land protections are at risk as irresponsible developers seek to exploit fallout from Oregon’s Measure 37, an attempt to discard land use protections. The environmental community is united to combat this effort by halting the rollback of land use protections, and finding solutions to legitimate problems that hamper effective growth management.

Washington State's environmental community is building bipartisan support for these essential priorities. The public overwhelmingly supports a new generation of protections for our air, land and water, and our elected leaders are starting to respond. Working together, we can create a model for the nation and true legacy for generations to come.

The organizations participating in Priorities for a Healthy Washington are:
American Rivers
Audubon Washington
Center for Environmental Law & Policy
Climate Solutions
Conservation Northwest
Futurewise
Heart of America Northwest
League of Women Voters of Washington
NW Energy Coalition
People for Puget Sound
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
Sierra Club Cascade Chapter
Transportation Choices Coalition
Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation
Washington Conservation Voters
Washington Environmental Council
WashPIRG
Washington Toxics Coalition

You can learn more about the Priorities for a Healthy Washington by visiting http://www.environmentalpriorities.org/ or by attending the upcoming workshop – see upcoming events listed below.

In short supply: Responsible, Sustainable Water Management for the Northwest's Largest River

- Submitted by Shirley Nixon from ESW organization Center for Environmental Law & Policy

Those who receive tap water from public utilities are sometimes surprised to learn that the source of their water supply could be under stress. Washington’s water history - and indeed the philosophy prevalent when much of the west was being developed - was grounded in the illusion that fresh water resources would always be abundant. “Take whatever water you need! There’s plenty for everyone and everything! First come, first served!� The “prior appropriation doctrine� was, and still is, a fundamental principle of western water law. Unfortunately, however, the pressure of population growth is demonstrating that clean fresh water is an increasingly limited commodity. Many of Washington’s streams, rivers and aquifers are today over-appropriated and lack sufficient flows to meet the needs of people and of fish.

The Columbia River is a highly visible example of such over-use; it is also a “poster-child� for what can go wrong when many diverse interests compete for domination of a scarce and valuable resource. Columbia Basin salmon stocks are in a state of perilous decline – with 12 species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Annual salmon and steelhead runs estimated to be as high as 16 million fish per year during the late 1800’s, have dropped by over 90%. Most fish returning to the Columbia today are hatchery bred; wild salmon are at an all time low. Impaired river flows - caused by too many diversions for out of stream uses (mostly for irrigation), combined with the unnatural conditions created by the many Columbia River dams - are a significant cause of this degradation.

In late 2004, following a long stakeholder-driven effort, former Governor Gary Locke unveiled proposed legislation and a draft Columbia River management rule. Neither of these proved to be politically feasible. Among other reasons, agricultural interests vehemently opposed the idea that all new water users should pay a nominal fee to offset state investments in Columbia River enhancements. The struggle over the river’s fate will undoubtedly continue into 2006. A special web-page is now devoted to this issue: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/cwp/crtfhome.html

The Center for Environmental Law and Policy (CELP) for many years has played a significant role in efforts to move the state toward a more ecologically sound water management policy in the Columbia Basin. Staffed by specially trained public interest water lawyers and water policy researchers, CELP is viewed as the “go to� group for technical information and policy advice on Columbia River issues. CELP has published a set of eight fundamental principles for shaping future Columbia River policy, and believes that these guiding principles also apply to managing water in all of our beautiful rivers. In short, CELP recommends that the state explore creative ways to improve conditions for fish while at the same time living within the existing water allocation budget (meaning: issuing no new water rights). CELP believes it is possible with everyone’s energy and commitment, to share and equitably allocate water resources and to achieve the goal embodied in CELP’s motto: Leaving a Legacy of Clean, Flowing Waters for Washington.

Read more about CELP and its vision for Washington’s water future at: www.celp.org

New Coal Plant Planned Western Washington Promises Significant CO2 Emissions

A few months ago Energy Northwest, formerly known as the Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS), announced its plan to build a new coal plant in Kalama, just south of Longview, Washington. Energy Northwest, an agency comprised of 19 public utilities, is working with the Port of Kalama, which recently approved a 50-year lease for an 80-acre industrial site for the coal plant.

The project has been dubbed the Pacific Mountain Energy Center (PMEC), an idyllic-sounding title that masks the real nature of the proposed facility. PMEC is promoted as an “environmentally friendly� resource that will bring family-wage jobs and economic development to the Kalama area. It would consist of two 300-megawatt coal-powered plants. Public utilities would finance and get the power from one; private interests would purchase power from the second plant.

Because the $1 billion facility will utilize so-called “clean coal� technology – specifically integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology – it should produce far fewer pollutants than traditional coal plants do. IGCC technology is effective in dramatically reducing the volume of emissions that cause smog and acid rain, for example.

Traditional coal plants are noted for the tremendous amounts of climate-changing carbon dioxide they produce. But while IGCC technology offers the potential of capturing CO2 for long-term storage, Energy Northwest has decided against installing what would be a very expensive add-on. The agency notes that the technology to permanently store (sequester) the vast amounts of carbon dioxide the plant will emit simply does not yet exist.

That means the plant would dump millions of tons of CO2 into our atmosphere, worsening the global warming that’s already affecting the Northwest’s hydropower supply. Replacing a dirty coal plant with an IGCC plant is one thing; choosing a climate-worsening option over readily available, less costly and truly clean energy options is a great concern.

Energy Northwest officials express commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency, but don’t believe they will provide enough power to meet growing demand. That belief flies in the face of the energy prescription written by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, the regional energy-planning entity, in its Fifth Northwest Power Plan, released in the past year.

The Council projected the region’s 20-year power needs and evaluated various means of meeting those needs in the most cost-effective way. It first determined that half the growth in demand should be met with energy efficiency. Almost all of the rest, the Council said, should come from renewable energy. The Council’s recommendations reflected the findings of a 2002 NW Energy Coalition-commissioned study that found the Northwest has nearly three times as much potential cost-competitive clean energy as the expected growth in energy demand.

By no means is the Kalama coal plant a done deal. Energy Northwest must secure permits from the state’s Energy Facility and Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC), the “one-stop shopping� entity for permitting large-scale power plants. Energy Northwest estimates this process will take about 20-months.

The NW Energy Coalition and other advocates of clean, stable and affordable energy see the proposed coal plant as a major step backward for Washington residents. True, coal won’t be burned directly to produce electricity (it will be gasified first), but that does little to reduce emissions of climate-changing gases.

Plus, coal will never be “clean� as long as it’s mined. The environmental and human health effects of coal mining and transportation are staggering.

Ultimately, wouldn’t we all be better off investing the $1 billion this inadequate facility will cost in renewable energy and energy efficiency? If we care about protecting our pocketbooks, our environment and our health, the answer must be “yes.�

For more information and to learn how to get involved, contact Lisa Noble-Rennick at (206) 621-0094.

Turn your unused items into cash for environmental organizations

Q: What do a collection of 1980s classics on CD, an old cell phone, an infrequently used car, and a crystal vase that matched your great aunt’s décor but has been relegated to your basement have in common?

A: They can all be turned into cash for your favorite environmental organization!

For many years, organizations have used programs for items such as donated cars to generate revenue. Now, however, the scope of programs available to manage the donation and resale or recycling of these items is more diverse than ever. Many of the unused items sitting around in are homes are good candidates for donation. Here are some resources about what items can be directed where:

Earth Share has an active car donation program. We will pickup or tow your vehicle, free of charge, transfer your title and resell it, and the proceeds benefit Earth Share’s efforts to protect our health and quality of life in Washington. It is a fantastic, hassle-free tax deduction! Find out more at www.esw.org/help/car_program.html.

Eco Encore takes donations of reusable books, CDs, VHS, DVDs, games and software, which are resold online as a fundraiser for 19 Puget Sound-area environmental organizations. More information about items accepted and how to become a recipient organization can be found at www.ecoencore.org.

Bidadoo organizes online auctions on eBay for items valued at $75 or more (jewelry and watches, fine furniture, and antiques and collectibles). Information for prospective donors and nonprofits can be found at www.bidadoo.com.

Earth Share of Washington recycles and reuses used cell phones, turning your trash into revenue for Northwest nonprofits and keeping harmful electronics waste out of landfills. We'll send a collection box to your workplace, just give us a call at 206-622-9840 or write info@esw.org.

All of these outlets have the unique ability of leveraging the value of your items—help put them to work for your favorite environmental group!

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

• All January – Washington Trails Association Hiking Trail Restoration Work Parties - Washington Trails Association (WTA) is the most active hiking trail restoration and advocacy organization in Washington State. In 2005, volunteers contributed more than 65,000 hours of volunteer service restoring hiking trails. Join that effort in 2006 and be a part of protecting and maintaining trails around Washington State. This month, WTA hosts more than 30 trail work parties. To find a work party in your neck of the woods, please visit the Washington Trails Association website at www.wta.org and signup today!
• January 7 - Winter Trails Day at Snoqualmie Lodge – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Mountaineers Snoqualmie Lodge - It's winter! Don't wait for June to go outside and play in the mountains. Washington abounds with snowshoe opportunities, and snowshoeing is fast becoming a favorite winter recreational activity for Washington hikers. If you can hike, you can snowshoe! Come spend the day outside in the snow at Winter Trails Day. This all-day event lets you check out the latest snowshoe models directly from the manufacturers. Dress for winter. This event is FREE and great for all ages.
  
  Directions:
  Take I-90 east over Snoqualmie Pass to Exit 53. Turn right, and then immediately left at the intersection. Follow the road about 300 yards, where you'll see a Mountaineers sign high in the trees on your right. Park along the road and follow the signs up to the lodge.
• January 7 - Priorities for a Healthy Washington Legislative Workshop - 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM - Seattle Pacific University, Gwinn Room - Attend the annual Priorities for a Healthy Washington Legislative Workshop as the state's leading conservation groups prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Attendees hear from legislators, environmental lobbyists, and members of the media and others regarding the community's Priorities for a Healthy Washington. These priorities include legislation for cleaning up Puget Sound, phasing out toxic chemicals that impact children’s health, promoting renewable fuels and recycling e-waste, and defending against attacks on our land protections in Washington State. The workshop is hosted by Washington Environmental Council. Space is limited, so register online at http://www.wecprotects.org/join/legworkshop_reg.cfm or call 206-622-8103. Contact Amy Zarrett, WEC Organizer, at 206-622-8103 or amy@wecprotects.org with any questions.
• January 14 - Mee-Kwa-Mooks Park Restoration Project - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Mee-Kwa-Mooks Park, located along the shoreline of West Seattle, offers gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains. Meaning shaped like a bears head, Mee-Kwa-Mooks was the original name of the West Seattle peninsula. Work with EarthCorps, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and the Green Seattle Partnership as we work to keep this urban forest happy and healthy! You can be part of the action - by removing damaging invasive plant species, planting native plants, and taking care of past forest restoration sites. For more information or to signup, please contact Elizabeth White at (206) 255-4160 or elizabeth@earthcorps.org.
• January 16 - MLK Day at Jose Rizal Park - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Get out and make some change this MLK Day! Join EarthCorps, the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Green Seattle Partnership for a day of service at Dr. Jose Rizal Park. Rizal was a Filipino patriot who, during his short life, made lasting contributions to medicine, political and social reform, engineering and a large number of other disciplines. He was executed after being accused of involvement in the Filipino insurrection of 1896. This south central Seattle park was formally dedicated to him in 1979. Spend Martin Luther King Jr Day making a difference in your community! Volunteers will spend the day working to restore this urban forest to a healthier state. For more information or to signup, please contact Elizabeth White at (206) 255-4160 or elizabeth@earthcorps.org.
• January 20 - "Storming the Sound" A North Sound Gathering of Environmental Educators - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Maple Hall, 104 E. Commercial, La Conner, WA - Save the date for the 6th Annual “Storming the Soundâ€? a workshop designed for: K-12 teachers, private/public/homeschool seeking environmental education resources, students interested in pursuing a career in environmental education, or organizations/community groups who have environmental education resources to share. This one-day workshop seeks to bring together residents/programs in the North Sound Counties of Jefferson, Clallam, San Juan, Island, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom. Those residing outside of this service area, but have programs or resources available to North Sound teachers are welcome to attend. Registration is required, this workshop is limited to the first 140 participants. A $5 donation is requested to provide funds for our scholarship program, which covers substitute teacher costs for teachers lacking funding. Music, lunch and plenty of networking time are also part of the agenda! For questions, sponsorship details or to register, please contact Britta Eschete at 360-336-1931 or beschete@pugetsound.org. This one-day workshop is co-organized by People For Puget Sound, Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and National Park Service. For more information, go to www.padillabay.gov/storming.
• January 26 - Priorities for a Healthy Washington Lobby Day in Olympia - Join the state's leading conservation groups and hundreds of citizen lobbyists to push for the passage of the Priorities for a Healthy Washington legislative package (see related item above). During Lobby Day your will hear from legislators that are championing the Priorities for a Healthy Washington legislation, receive a training on how to lobby from top environmental lobbyists, and have a chance to meet face to face with your elected officials. And don't forget the party in the evening! Lobby Day is hosted by People for Puget Sound. To register go to www.pugetsound.org/lobbyday or contact Jim Dawson at, "jdawson@pugetsound.org"mailto:jdawson@pugetsound.org or (360) 754-9177.