State

San Juan County Shares Draft Report of Shoreline Cumulative Effects Evaluation

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. May 25, 2023 – San Juan County is conducting a Cumulative Effects Evaluation of its shorelines for the Department of Ecology. A virtual public meeting to review the draft report is scheduled…

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Lovelett bill protecting endangered southern resident orcas signed into law; effective Jan. 2025

OLYMPIA – Legislation to further protect Washington’s endangered southern resident orca population was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today May 15, 2023. Senate Bill 5371, sponsored by Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes), requires whale-watching boats…

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The bills that survived Washington's 2023 legislative session

From gun regulations to affordable housing and a new state dinosaur, these are the initiatives that passed — and some that were not so lucky. By Joseph O'Sullivan / Crosscut.com April 24, 2023 Washington legislators this…

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Written by Joseph O'Sullivan / Crosscut.com

WA lawmakers' 'year of housing' could ease the affordability crisis

The Legislature passed 10 laws and put $1 billion toward one of Washington’s most pressing problems: a statewide lack of accessible shelter. By Joseph O'Sullivan / Crosscut.com May 12, 2023 For years, proposals in the Washington…

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Written by Joseph O'Sullivan / Crosscut.com

Inslee signs most comprehensive in the nation battery recycling bill that addresses all battery types

Olympia, WA – Governor Jay Inslee signed a new law (SB 5144) May 11, 2023 that will provide battery recycling across Washington under a producer responsibility program. The bill came to him with strong bipartisan support…

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DNR partners with Sustainable Blue to identify opportunities for On-Land Aquaculture for State Lands

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz signed a partnership agreement with Nova Scotia-based Sustainable Blue, a zero discharge, land-based salmon farming company, to identify opportunities for siting sustainable finfish aquaculture in Washington State. “I’m excited to…

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Gov. Inslee: Special session beginning May 16 to settle drug possession law

Gov. Jay Inslee has called the Legislature back to Olympia to settle the matter of drug possession once and for all. A special session will begin May 16, focusing on a so-called “Blake fix.”

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WDFW: Clean, drain, and dry your vessel this boating season to prevent the spread of invasive species

SPOKANE – Having already experienced hot weather this spring, the boating season is officially underway in Washington state. To keep lakes, rivers, and other water bodies clean and beautiful, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife…

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Washington’s water supply outlook: Seasonal changes bring good news and bad news

WA Dept of Ecology media release: It’s official. Spring is here. Snow should soon melt. March and April were characterized by unusually cold and dry weather. For water supply, the last two months have presented us…

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New WA Law Strengthens Workers' Position in Injury Comp Cases

With the legislative session wrapped up, workers say Washington state lawmakers have handed them a victory when it comes to workers' compensation cases. Legislators passed House Bill 1068, which allows workers to record medical examinations of…

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Written by Eric Tegethoff

WA House passes bill to make drug possession a misdemeanor

The amended measure mandates a less-severe punishment than previous versions and drops a requirement for pre-arrest substance-abuse services. By Joseph O'Sullivan / Crosscut.com April 12, 2023 The penalty for drug possession in Washington state would remain…

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Written by Joseph O'Sullivan / Crosscut.com

How Washington plans to spend money from the new carbon-cap law

Lawmakers are looking to invest revenue from the Climate Commitment Act in electric buses, ferries and more clean-energy projects around the state. By Joseph O'Sullivan / Crosscut.com April 10, 2023 As Washington state lawmakers and Gov.…

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Written by Joseph O'Sullivan / Crosscut.com

League of Women Voters of Washington adopts 2 new positions - Local news, Shoreline management

Positions address impact of local journalism on democracy and prioritizing environmental impact in shoreline management decisions Seattle, WA — The League of Women Voters of Washington Board of Directors adopted two new positions on April 10,…

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House passes bill to protect endangered orcas

PRESS RELEASE: OLYMPIA—The House of Representatives passed legislation on April 11, 2023, to safeguard the endangered orcas in the Salish Sea. Senate Bill 5371, sponsored by Senator Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) and supported by Representative Debra Lekanoff…

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