In these challenging economic times, our leaders in Olympia need to stand up and make smart decisions that not only support economic recovery but also protect our environment.

This year, the Environmental Priorities Coalition has chosen three priority proposals to support during Washington State's legislative session that aim to meet this need. Together, they will deliver healthy communities and sustainable green jobs.

Our 2010 Priorities help ensure clean water, create new jobs, reduce the threat of toxic chemicals, and maintain core environmental protections in a time of slashed budgets.

In addition, the coalition is dedicated to maintaining the strength and integrity of the Citizen's Clean Energy Initiative, I-937. We will ensure that the Legislature delivers on the commitment to building a clean energy economy and supporting green jobs. By doing so, we will decrease both our fossil fuel dependence and climate pollution.  Click here to check out dates for several ways you can help directly impact the legislative session!

December 3, 2009

10,270 acre site links Mount Si to federal forests

OLYMPIA – At the annual Mountains to Sound Greenway Dinner last night, Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark designated the new Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). The river valley was identified as ecologically distinguished, featuring patches of natural-origin forests, important fish and wildlife habitat, and scenic views.

This natural area, with 10,270 acres within its boundary, is nested along Interstate 90, and flanked by the Mount Si NRCA and federal forests. It will offer habitat corridors for many large and small animal species alike, and it will support the vision of the Mountains to Sound Greenway.　

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The TransAlta coal plant is the largest source of global warming pollution in Washigton State.　It is also the largest source of toxic mercury pollution, which is especially dangerous to children and future mothers, and is responsible for haze pollution which destroys the beauty of 12 wilderness areas, including Mt. Rainier.
We can do better!　Washington can be a national leader on clean energy.
Click here to learn more about the campaign to make Washington coal-free.　We can replace coal with clean, renewable forms of energy like wind, solar and efficiency that will create jobs and reduce global warming. 

Click here to volunteer!

Let the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife know that you value wolves and their positive effect on ecosystems and wish to see their recovery to Washington's wildlife and habitat. The wolves will thank you for ensuring a wild future for our corner of the world! Click here to learn more about how you can help, talking points & how to submit written comments!

Sierra Club members in Washington State care passionately about protecting the Northern Gray Wolf, an endangered species that faces extinction from human predators. Our Fall 2009 edition of the Cascade Crest included a postcard for members to fill out and return for our use in organizing for the public comment period of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding their draft policy on Gray Wolf management for our state. Soon we will deliver your postcards to the WDFW. The postcard response has been extraordinary, send in yours today! We have posted comments from some of the postcards at the end of this article. To acquaint yourself with some background on the Gray Wolf, some important “talking points” for speaking publicly at the public hearings, and other pertinent materials.