Politics Washington passes law to cut ‘forever chemicals’ in makeup Starting in 2025, the Toxics-Free Cosmetics Act will be among the country’s strongest legislation against hazardous products. by Joseph Winters Grist / May 18, 2023
Environment Washington slates $50M for trees to shade salmon streams Gov. Jay Inslee and a bipartisan group of legislators are using a low-tech approach to combat deadly warming waters. by John Stang / May 16, 2023
Environment To protect orcas, boats in Puget Sound must stay 1,000 yards away SB 5371 expands the buffer zone for endangered southern resident killer whales, who depend on sonar to hunt and communicate in the Salish Sea. by John Stang / April 18, 2023 / Updated at 4:20 p.m. on April 19
Environment Seattle-based outdoor gear retailer REI to ban PFAs In 2024, new standards will eliminate 'forever chemicals' in the company's products after more than a year of pressure from environmental groups. by Joseph Winters Grist / March 8, 2023
Politics How federal weed legalization would impact Washington state Senate Bill 5069 — one of several marijuana-related bills this legislative session — lays the groundwork for interstate trade. by John Stang / March 3, 2023
Politics Why are gas prices rising at stations unaffected by cap-and-trade? Even oil companies not participating in the state’s new carbon auction system are pumping up the cost to the consumer. by John Stang / October 23, 2023
Environment PNW landfills reached ‘explosive’ methane emission levels in 2022 Washington and Oregon sites had leakages 20 times more concentrated than the Clean Air Act limit standards. by Joseph Winters Grist / November 3, 2023
Politics Cap-and-trade, climate change return to the 2024 WA Legislature On the agenda starting Jan. 8: Spending Washington’s carbon tax, tweaking the cap-and-invest program and taking a stab at utility rebates. by John Stang / January 3, 2024
Environment WA’s carbon pricing system may fund $200M for new electric ferries But if voters repeal the cap-and-trade program in a November referendum, the plan to convert three diesel vessels to hybrid may need other funding sources. by John Stang / March 4, 2024
Politics WA legislators are pushing new gun bills. Here’s what could pass A batch of regulations are likely headed to Gov. Inslee’s desk – including one that would require reporting lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours. by John Stang / March 4, 2024