As the Washington State Legislature moves through the short session, we’re focused on key environmental priorities that affect our rivers, communities, and the health of our ecosystems. This session we are prioritizing 4 issues: reducing plastics pollution, Climate Commitment Act funding, sustainable waste solutions for Spokane, and protecting our waterways from toxic chemicals.

Here’s a look at what matters most this session, why it matters for the river, and how you can follow the legislation that aligns with these priorities.

1. Reducing Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution continues to harm our river, wildlife, and communities. Single-use plastic bags, microplastics from laundry, and textile waste all contribute to pollution that cannot be effectively recycled and often ends up in the environment. We’re support ongoing efforts to reduce plastic in the waste stream and create 

Legislative focus:

  • SB 5965 / HB 2233 aim to strengthen the state’s plastic bag law by banning film plastic bags at checkout, raising the cost of paper bags, and ensuring delivery services comply with the law. When the previous plastic bag ban was passed, we saw a dramatic decrease in plastic bags along the river. We expect this ban to have similar impacts.

  • HB 2212 proposes filters on commercial and industrial laundry machines to reduce microplastics in waterways. Every time synthetic fabrics are washed, they can shed microplastics into the wastewater, which in turn gets discharged into the river. By removing microplastics at the source, we can reduce microplastics entering waterways.

  • HB 1420 promotes producer responsibility for textiles, reducing waste and encouraging sustainable manufacturing. Textiles and fast fashion products make up a growing portion of waste, especially along the river. This bill would for producer responsibility reduces landfill pressure and encourages sustainable materials.

These efforts collectively target the sources of plastic pollution in our daily lives and some of the top sources of litter on the river.

2. Defending Climate & Environmental Funding

The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) provides essential funding for climate action, clean water, and environmental programs across Washington. This funding is designed to support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect rivers and fisheries, and build community resilience.

The Governor’s proposed budget includes a plan to redirect a large portion of CCA funds to cover general budget shortfalls. If this diversion is adopted, it would undermine key programs that rely on this dedicated environmental funding, slowing progress on climate and water protection efforts statewide.

Lawmakers are currently reviewing the state budget. It’s critical that they use CCA funds for their intended environmental purposes rather than diverting them to other priorities.

Take action: You can make a difference by contacting your legislators and asking them to defend climate dollars and protect these programs. Washington Conservation Action makes it easy to do with this quick form letter. 

3. Sustainable Waste Solutions for Spokane

Spokane’s Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility is the only one of its kind in Washington, burning the city’s garbage to generate enough electricity to power roughly 11,000 homes. While it reduces emissions compared to landfilling, the facility still produces significant greenhouse gas emissions. While not a perfect solution, it produces fewer emissions than a landfill and is better for water quality, keeping waste and the pollutants it carries out of our waterways.

Under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), landfills are largely exempt from carbon costs, but Spokane’s WTE facility has not received the same grace. Without action from the state, the city could be forced to pay $2.5 million to $8 million annually starting in 2027 to cover emissions from the incinerator, costs that would ultimately fall on ratepayers. To address this challenge, Spokane is exploring carbon capture technologies, but the facility needs more time to meet the requirements without placing undue costs on the community. 

Spokane is facing a critical moment. The city’s WTE facility cannot operate sustainably without thoughtful state policy, investment in emissions reduction, and a commitment to long-term zero-waste strategies. All the trash we collect from the Spokane River ends up at WTE, and the city covers the cost. How the facility is managed directly affects our river cleanup work. Without thoughtful state policy and support for sustainable waste strategies, Spokane could face millions in penalties under the Climate Commitment Act, which would strain city resources and complicate river cleanup efforts. 

Legislative focus: HB 2416, SB 6092 and related discussions focus on improving WTE compliance measures, encouraging zero-waste initiatives, and allowing Spokane time to implement effective emissions reduction strategies. Lawmakers have an opportunity to support Spokane’s transition to a more sustainable waste system while avoiding unnecessary penalties .

4. Protecting Aquatic Life from Toxic Chemicals

6PPD-quinone, a chemical from tires, is highly toxic to salmon and other aquatic life. Research also shows that 6PPD can harm rainbow trout and may pose adverse health impacts for humans. These chemicals enter rivers during rain and runoff, threatening fish populations, ecosystems, and community health.

Protecting salmon, trout, and clean water is central to Spokane Riverkeeper’s work. Contaminants like 6PPD directly threaten the species we monitor and the rivers we protect, impacting both ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.

Legislative focus: Both the House (HB 2421) and Senate (SB 6119) bills have been introduced and are gathering supporters this week for a committee hearing on Monday. These bills aim to ban 6PPD-quinone from entering rivers and streams, protecting aquatic life and the health of Washington’s waterways.

Take Action: These priorities are crucial for a healthy Washington. You can stay informed, monitor bills, and contact your legislators to support these efforts.

Comment