About Us

Washington Conservation Voters is the statewide political voice for the environment. We work to elect environmentally responsible candidates to state and local offices. Working with our allies in the community, we advocate for strong environmental policies and hold our elected officials accountable during the legislative session. Through our political work we are strengthening laws that safeguard the health of our communities, the beauty of our state and our economic future.

Winning elections for the environment

Each year, Washington Conservation Voters supports pro-environment candidates during the election season. Working with our chapter network we are able to support over 100 candidates each cycle at the state and local level. Our electoral work has a history of success including:

2009:

• Defeated Tim Eyman’s budget crushing I-1033
• Supported environmentalist Dow Constantine in his election to King County Executive, a position critical to statewide environmental progress
•  Helped elect Amber Waldref to Spokane City Council, helping the environmental movement widen its reach across the state

2008:

• Implemented a successful campaign to re-elect Governor Gregoire by highlighting Dino Rossi’s poor environmental record during his time in the state Senate
• Assisted in the election of conservationist Peter Goldmark to Commissioner of Public Lands, the highest environmental post in the state.
• Supported the success of Proposition 1: Mass Transit Now
• Helped reinforce a strong environmental majority in Olympia by electing new champions like Kevin Ranker in the 40th Legislative District

2007:

• Delivered an environmental majority in Snohomish County Council.
• Won many important races at the local level including Port of Seattle, Bainbridge City Council and Seattle City Council.

2006:

• Defeated I-933, protecting our farmlands and communities from irresponsible development.
• Defeated two entrenched anti-environment incumbents in the Legislature and picked up strong environmental majorities.
• Beat back the Building Industry Association of Washington’s candidates in the race for the State Supreme Court.

Providing strategy and focus for the Washington environmental community

Each year we help lead the effort to bring together the environmental community and provide strategic guidance to select a focused agenda of three or four legislative Priorities. With our electoral expertise, knowledge of Olympia politics, and key relationships, Washington Conservation Voters is able to provide strategic input that helps ensure success for the Priorities. We work with our partner organizations and our county chapters to establish a broad base of support that helps ensure success.

The results of this strategic approach speak for themselves.  Working together with our many partners in the community, we have achieved significant victories over the past six years, including:

• Protection of public health with successful bans of toxic flame retardants in household products and BPA in children’s dishware and sports bottles.
• Adoption of California’s clean car emission standards.
• Promotion of green buildings and energy efficiency.
• Creation of the first-in-the nation program for recycling of electronic waste.
• Support of alternative fuels to begin the effort to wean our country from dependence on foreign oil.
• Development of a “local farms, healthy kids” initiative to help support small farms and deliver quality food for our children.
   

Holding our elected leaders accountable

Before every legislative election cycle, we release our Legislative Scorecard. This publication is the tool that sheds light on the effectiveness of legislators on environmental issues. With the Scorecard, we give voters the information that they need, thereby holding our elected officials accountable.

“Dear Brendon and the staff/Board of Washington Conservation Voters,

Thank you for your support of my campaign for Spokane City Council. As you probably heard, I was victorious with a resounding 63% of the vote in my favor. This is a testament to the broad spectrum of organizations and individuals who participated in my campaign, from donors to volunteers to friends, family and neighbors.

I would not have been so successful without WCV's financial support, advice and enthusiasm.
Brendon -- you were a true cheerleader who kept me motivated, targeted in my efforts, and always thinking positively. Thank you for everything you do at WCV.

It was an honor and a privilege to speak at your annual breakfast. I would love to come back in a year and talk about my experiences at city hall. I am very hopeful that we will see some progress made here in Spokane toward a more sustainable community in the next four years.”

My sincerest thanks,
Amber Waldref