WA Lawmakers See Green

Olympia, WA – If things look a little "greener" in Olympia today, it may be because of the hundreds of people visiting the State Capitol to show their support for environmental legislation. Some 24 groups from around the state are combining their efforts. This year, they've chosen four priorities that all relate to climate change, from using local produce in schools and food banks, to encouraging "green" jobs and industries. Clifford Traisman, of Washington Conservation Voters, says lawmakers could get all of it done this session for a bargain price.

"We do think we're a 'cheap date' – for less than $10 million, we think the Legislature could deliver fully on all four environmental community priorities. Given our surplus, and the importance of our issues, that's not a lot of money, in any year."

Traisman works as a lobbyist for two of the groups, the Washington Conservation Voters and the Washington Environmental Council, but he says today is a chance to let others experience the political process.

"Legislators want to hear from real people, not just lobbyists. They want to open up their offices and talk to their constituents. The Lobby Day is an opportunity to bring together our citizens and voters with the legislators. We think it makes a big difference."

Traisman says the groups expect some cost-related pushback in this lean budget year. However, last year, all four of the group's priorities became law, including funding for state and local parks, development of cleaner fuels, Puget Sound recovery efforts, and a ban on toxic flame retardants in kids' clothing.