Result

Seattle bans the bag

With the help of our volunteers and members, Environment Washington led the effort to ban plastic bags in Seattle. We released a report with new and unpublished data to show the full extent of Puget Sound's plastic problemn and how plastic bags threaten our wildlife. Our members made hundreds of phone calls and sent in thousands of public comments, urging Seattle City Council to ban the bag. We finally won with a unanimous vote in favor of the bag ban, making Seattle the second biggest city in the U.S. to ban the bag!

Result

Better protection for Columbia, Puget Sound

Polluter-driven Supreme Court decisions over the last decade left the streams that feed Puget Sound and the Columbia vulnerable to dumping and development. But after a multi-year effort by Environment Washington and our allies, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a plan in 2011 to restore Clean Water Act protections to all of Washington’s waters.

Result

Environmental defense programs preserved

Key environmental programs were saved from the chopping block in 2010 with help from Environment Washington and coalition partners like the Washington Environment Council. After we spoke out, the Legislature restored more than $70 million in funding to clean up areas contaminated with toxic chemicals; monitor and reduce pollution in our air; prevent pollution of our waterways, and more.

Result

A $50 million down-payment on stormwater solution

In April 2010, the state Legislature approved $50 million in funding for projects to stem the flow of chemicals, petroleum and other waste into our waters. The victory came after our staff and supporters attended hearings, cosponsored a “citizen lobby day,” organized phone banks, and helped bring together local activists, business owners and shellfish farmers.