Introducing Earth Ministry's 2021 Legislative Priorities

Copied from Jessica Zimmerle, Earth Ministry Program and Outreach Director

Each year, Earth Ministry/WAIPL raises up the moral voice for environmental justice in the state legislature. 
The Legislative Session will begin on Mon, January 11 and below is the initial list of bills Earth Ministry is supporting. More information and updates can be found on our webpage.

Top Priorities: 

• Clean Fuel Standard: Requires fuel producers to reduce the carbon intensity of fuels 20% by 2035 to clean our air, give us more options to fuel our vehicles, create economic development, cut climate pollution, and move us beyond oil
  
  
• HEAL Act: Defines environmental justice in state law and requires its application using a racial justice lens and equitable community participation

Other priorities:

• Clean and Just Transportation: Creates a holistic transportation system with new revenue and investments that focus on accessibility for all users, prioritizes equity, and reduces environmental impacts
  
  
• Conservation Works: Protects essential environmental programs from budget cuts and promotes investments in stimulus projects that tackle climate change, create good jobs, recover salmon and orcas, and help communities chart their own course for a better future
  
  
• Clean Cars 2030: Requires all new light-duty vehicles of model year 2030 or later to be electric in order to be registered in Washington State
  
  
• Reduce Plastic Pollution: Addresses recycling and plastic pollution
  
  
• Growth Management Act Update “Washington Can’t Wait”: Makes sure we address climate change, affordable housing, and environmental justice in our state’s land use planning

​We are following an emerging conversation about a price on carbon being put forward by the legislature. Earth Ministry will stand behind the leadership of frontline communities working for environmental justice, and we will work to ensure that any proposed policy meets the Climate Alliance’s carbon pricing and investment criteria.
In peace,
Jessica Zimmerle (she/her)
Program & Outreach Director