Stoked to protect Washington's ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people!
Winter Updates: Policy Edition
This year's legislative session is moving along at lightning speed! We're more than halfway through and roughly half of our bills are still alive, thanks in no small part to your collective efforts, as well as the work of our amazing partners. Meanwhile, our six chapters here in Washington are wrapping up their strategic planning retreats, with tons of fun events on the horizon - check out your local chapter's website to see what they've got in the works!
~ Liz Schotman, Washington Regional Manager
Pete Steelquist, Washington Policy Manager
Plastic Free Lobby Day recap
The Plastic Free Washington / WA Sin Plástico Coalition hosted a successful Plastic Free Lobby Day on January 19th. Passionate humans from across the state, representing numerous organizations, all gathered on a cold, foggy morning in Olympia to advocate for policies to reduce litter, stop plastic pollution, and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
The Bottles & Cans Recycling Refund program (HB 1607 / SB 5502), a "Bottle Bill," is designed to address Washington’s recycling crisis, where currently only 30% of beverage containers are recycled. By implementing a 10-cent refundable deposit funded by beverage companies rather than taxpayers, the program aims to reduce the 26 million pounds of annual litter that clogs state roads and waterways. Drawing on successful models from ten other states that have seen litter reductions of over 80%, the bill enjoys broad public support as a proven, bipartisan solution to protect wildlife and save millions in cleanup costs.
If passed, HB 2233 / SB 5965 would expand Washington’s 2020 plastic bag ban by eliminating the "reusable" loophole for thicker plastic film bags at retail, grocery, and restaurant checkouts. Designed to reduce ocean pollution and streamline state standards, the law requires customers to provide their own bags or pay a small fee for paper or durable alternatives, while maintaining exemptions for bulk, garment, and food storage bags.
Protecting our waters with strong penalties for polluters
Washington has one of the strongest environmental enforcement teams in the country, but our state laws don’t currently treat the most egregious pollution violations with the seriousness they deserve. Unlike federal law and in states like Oregon, Washington still allows major clean air, clean water, and hazardous waste violations to be charged only as misdemeanors. If passed, SB 5360 will close this gap by strengthening state penalties so that people and companies who knowingly break environmental laws can be held fully accountable—especially as federal enforcement is scaled back. The bill allows prosecutors to pursue felony charges for the most serious violations, increases penalties when pollution endangers people or natural resources, and ensures Washington’s environmental laws have real consequences.
Tuesday, February 10, marked the close of the third annual Navigating Coastal Hazards Workshop, a powerful two-day gathering of coastal leaders, scientists, planners, emergency managers, Tribal partners, community advocates, and researchers in Astoria, Oregon. Hosted by the Cascadia Coastlines & People Hazards Research Hub (Cascadia CoPes Hub) and partners, this workshop continues to be a cornerstone event for advancing coastal resilience dialogue and action throughout the Pacific Northwest. The conversations and connections forged during these events help guide our efforts — from supporting nature-based solutions like habitat restoration, to advocating for equitable, community-centered planning that protects both people and the places we love.
