Washington Conservation Voters takes clean water message to voters

Contact: Kurt Fritts
206.910.8777 kurt@wcvoters.org

Washington Conservation Voters, the statewide political voice of the environmental community, launched a paid media campaign today in support of the “Clean Water Act of 2010” (HB 3181/ SB 6851). The legislation, one of three 2010 environmental community priorities, would address the state’s biggest water pollution problem by increasing an existing tax on polluters.

“Legislators have an opportunity this session to tackle the number one water pollution problem in the state and create jobs by doing so,” said Kurt Fritts, Executive Director of Washington Conservation Voters. “Washington voters overwhelmingly support action on clean water, and they need to know that these efforts are being thwarted by big oil and special interests.”

The major oil companies that operate refineries in Washington are opposed to the bill. The national oil lobby has also been involved, including visits to Olympia by oil executives from Texas.

Both the House and Senate bills raise new funding to clean up toxic stormwater runoff across the state. Last week the House bill was significantly weakened by amendments, but efforts are underway to strengthen the legislation over the last week of session.

Washington Conservation Voters started their campaign Thursday in five legislative districts that represent a wide range of voters: Districts 26 (Kitsap and Pierce Counties), 28 (Pierce County), 44 (Snohomish County), 45 (East King County), and 48 (East King County).

The paid media campaign praises legislators who are championing the clean water legislation, and calls out those who are siding with big oil interests on these bills.

“This is just the beginning of our conversation with voters about the 2010 legislative session,” said Kurt Fritts. This spring Washington Conservation Voters will release the biennial legislative scorecard covering the 2009 and 2010 state legislative sessions.