Local / Regional News
Take action on legislation in Washington state
Our state legislators don’t hear enough from us about the climate crisis, so let’s change that. See below:
Weekly actions on state climate bills: Join the 350 WA Civic Action Team, a coalition of 11 groups urging legislators to act for the climate, justice and an equitable society. Sign up here.
Before Jan. 17, support Washington Recycling and Packaging (WRAP) Act – HB 1131 and SB 5154 create fees on packaging. Generated funding would pay for statewide recycling systems. Connect with Evergreen Future for more info.
Fund urgent salmon recovery measures — replace the lower Snake River dams and ensure adequate salmon recovery investments across our state. Send comments here.
Feb. 14-16 Virtual Lobby Days – Sponsored by Washington Conservation Action. Sign up here.
Local incentives for energy efficiency
OCA member Dave Large has compiled incentives for reducing home-related energy usage offered by the federal government, Washington State, the City of Port Angeles, and Clallam County PUD. Read article.
Stop the GTN pipeline expansion
By Jan. 20, submit comments to the Washington Utility and Transportation Commission in opposition to Cascade Natural Gas’s proposed plans to expand fracked gas in the Northwest, using gas from the GTN XPress pipeline. Email comments to comments@utc.wa.gov Learn more about the GTN XPress pipeline expansion here or attend a Jan. 17 webinar here.
Stop logging near the Elwha River: Aldwell Forest update
Tell policymakers to cancel this sale. For tips on talking to local officials, contact nsarmie2@gmail.com
Give public comment at the Board of Natural Resources monthly meeting on Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. Go HERE for more info.
Join the Pacific Northwest Forest Climate Alliance’s Washington State Lands Group and sign on to the Call to Action here.
Jan. 17 Lake Ozette presentation
January’s free Olympic National Park speaker series features a presentation on the health and protection efforts at Lake Ozette, a threatened freshwater ecosystem. Find the zoom link here on the library website.
PNW Mature / Old Growth Forest maps
From WildEarth Guardians, Mature and Old Growth Forest maps for every forested region in the lower 48 states.
Inspiration
Primeval forest discovered
Image: Smithsonian magazine
Ecologists thought America’s primeval forests were gone. Bob Leverett proved them wrong and discovered a powerful new tool against climate change. Read more here.
What if Indigenous women ran controlled burns?
The Karuk Tribe’s first-of-its-kind training seeks to extinguish hypermasculinity in firefighting culture. Read more here .
Did salmon actually use the Skagit River before the Seattle dams were built?
Seattle City Light says no. Science says otherwise. Still time for public comment. Read more
National / International News and Actions
Jan. 20 Day of Action
From the People vs Fossil Fuels Coalition (PvFF): In honor of Joye Braun, who played an instrumental role in stopping the KXL. Sign up to host an event here or join an action already underway.
Assessing the Impact of EV Carsharing Models
Tuesday, Jan. 17
10am-11am
This webinar discusses community EV carsharing services. Register here.
Methane and hydroelectric dams
OCA member Krestine Reed has put together an article on dangers posed by dams. Read more on the OCA website here.
Solutions
Could canned wine help save the planet?
Cans may be the most promising sustainable intervention in the wine industry. Read more here.
Why we need new stories on the climate crisis
Rebecca Solnit makes a case for winning the popular imagination here.
Olympic Climate Action 