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Local Level Actions
Ask Legislators to Protect the Salish Sea and Take Bold Action on Climate
Source: Re Sources for Sustainable Communities, Climate Solutions
Description: Call your legislators and ask them to support Oil Spill Prevention (SB 6269), phasing out non-native Atlantic salmon farming (SB 6086; HB 2957), stabilizing funding for toxic cleanup (SB 6422), and bold climate action (SB 6253, SB 6203, HB 2338, HB 2328).
Background:
- Oil Transportation safety (SB 6269): Orcas, salmon, and our way of life in the Salish Sea are constantly at risk of a devastating oil spill, whether by vessel in our marine waters or by pipeline crossing our rivers. To make matters worse, the state Department of Ecology’s Oil Spills program is severely underfunded and may not be able to adequately respond to an oil spill. Ecology has no way to adequately contain an oil spill of this type. Our fishing economy, tourism, and quality of life could be devastated if we aren’t prepared. The Oil Spills Prevention Act would secure stable and reliable funding for oil spill prevention and preparedness work, fully implement marine protections, and strengthen protection tools.
- Non-native Atlantic salmon farming (SB 6086, HB 2957). In August 2017, over 160,000 Atlantic Salmon from an open water net-pen operation managed by Cooke Aquaculture escaped due to a structural failure. This was a wake-up call to many in our community about the fact that these non-native salmon are being cultivated in our marine waters. Raising non-native Atlantic Salmon poses a wide range of risks — from water pollution, with the use of antibiotics and concentrated feces, to disease outbreaks that can harm our already-endangered native salmon populations.
- Stabilizing Funding for Toxic Cleanup (SB 6422). The state’s Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) provides funding to clean up areas polluted by chemicals and toxics from decades of industry that are harmful to human and animal health. This funding is put to use locally for the Bellingham Waterfront and the Blaine Marina cleanups, to name a couple examples. Unfortunately, funding for MTCA is often uncertain due to the volatility of the Hazardous Substance Tax (HST) which is a tax on the importation of oil, pesticides, and other chemicals. As we’ve seen, the price of oil can drop or rise dramatically, making it difficult for budget forecasting. SB 6422 is similar to a bill introduced last year (HB 2182), which have stabilized MTCA funding through a tiered tax structure.
- Act on Climate. 2018 is the year for meaningful climate action. Climate impacts have been felt across the state, from longer and more severe droughts impacting farmers, raging wildfires and smoke, to warmer, rising, more acidifying seas threatening coastal communities and livelihoods. Now is the time for our state to show national leadership. Elements of comprehensive climate action includes effectively reducing carbon pollution, addressing the needs of impacted communities, mitigating climate impacts by investing in clean water, healthy forests, and sustainable infrastructure, investing in state’s growing clean energy economy, and providing protection for workers and energy-intensive, trade-exposed businesses. Climate Solutions recommends asking legislators to support all of the legislation belowL
- 100% Fossil Free electricity (SB 6253) would end development of new fossil-fueled power plants in Washington. Let’s stop making it worse so we can make it better!
- Investing in a just transition to clean energy (SB 6203) would charge fossil fuel suppliers for their climate-warming carbon pollution. Let’s invest in ensuring that clean energy and transportation choices are available and affordable for everyone.
- Clean fuels (HB 2338). It’s time to start busting up the oil monopoly and increasing the availability of cleaner alternatives!
- Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) (HB 2328). In California and Oregon, they have more affordable electric vehicles available at car dealerships. You know why? Because they have a ZEV law. We need that!
Contact Information:
42nd District
Senator Doug Ericksen
(360) 786 – 7682
Representative Luanne Van Werven
(360) 786 – 7980
Representative Vincent Buys
(360) 786 – 7854
40th District
Senator Kevin Ranker
(360) 786 – 7678
Representative Kristine Lytton
(360) 786 – 7800
Representative Jeff R. Morris
(360) 786 – 7970
Suggested Script:
To Senators:
Hi, my name is [first and last name] and I live in [town name] in the [42nd or 40th] district. I’m calling to voice my support for legislation that supports oil spill prevention, phases out Atlantic salmon farming, stabilizes funding for toxic cleanup, and bold climate action. I respectfully urge Senator [Last Name] to vote yes on SB 6269,SB 6086, SB 6422, SB 6253, and SB 6203). Thank you for listening to my concern.
Or
To Representatives:
Hi, my name is [first and last name] and I live in [town name] in the [42nd or 40th] district. I’m calling to voice my support for legislation that would phase out Atlantic salmon farming and promote a transition to a clean energy economy and future. I respectfully urge Representative[Last Name] to vote yes on HB 2957, HB 2338, and HB 2328). Thank you for listening to my concern.
Additional Information:
Re Sources: Legislative session: what we’re watching, what you can do
Environmental Priorities Coalition: 2018 Environmental Priorities
Request Your Ballot by 7 Feb @ 4pm: Whatcom Conservation District Board Election
Source: Riveters Collective
Description: Fill out this web form to receive a ballot for the Whatcom Conservation District Board election. Deadline 7 Feb 2018 at 4pm.
Attend Public Meeting and/or Comment on Proposed Cleanup of Cornwall Avenue Landfill
Source: Department of Ecology
Description: Have you seen those white-tarped mounds at the end of Cornwall Ave on the Bellingham waterfront? Learn about the preliminary design for cleaning up a portion of the site at a public meeting on February 15 and/or provide comment online.
Background: In December 2017, the Department of Ecology invited the public to comment on an engineering design report for the cleanup of a portion of the Cornwall Avenue Landfill cleanup site on the Bellingham waterfront. The report provides the preliminary design for isolating contamination and controlling landfill gas. The report was prepared by the Port of Bellingham, the City of Bellingham, and the State Department of Natural Resources, with Ecology oversight. Ecology has scheduled a public meeting for February 15 and extended the comment period through Thursday, February 22.
Public Hearing/Contact Information:
Public Meeting
February 15, 2018, 6 – 8 pm
Ecology Office (new location next to Squalicum Creek Park)
913 Squalicum Way, Unit 101, Bellingham, WA 98225
Click here to submit comment online.
Additional Information:
- Dept. of Ecology: Cornwall Avenue Landfill site status
- Cornwall Avenue Landfill Engineering Design Report
Thank Governor Inslee for Rejecting the Tesoro Oil Terminal
Source: Stand Up to OIl
Description: Thank the Governor for rejecting what would have been the largest oil terminal in the nation, the Tesoro Savage oil train terminal.
Contact Information:
Governor Jay Inslee
360-902-4111
TTY/TDD call 711 or 1-800-833-6388
http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/contact/send-gov-inslee-e-message
Or click for online comment form.
Suggested Script: Dear Governor Inslee, Thank you for your denial of the Tesoro oil terminal project and for your continued leadership in support of bold climate actions. I am so proud and inspired that communities all over the state are coming together for a clean energy future!
Sincerely,
Additional Information:
Vote YES on the Bellingham Public Schools Bond
The Riveters Collective Board voted unanimously to support the school bond. For more information see the BPS 2018 bond information page.
Get Tickets to Let's Talk: Stretching our Edges on Race and Privilege
Source: Riveters Collective, Co3 Consulting, Bellingham Community Food Co-op and Cascadia Deaf Nation.
Description: The organizing team met at BUF last week and decided to change the seating arrangement which allowed us to open 30 more spaces. February 11th, 2 – 4:30, Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Social Hall. Reserve tickets through Eventbrite. If you’re on Facebook, join the event for updates. If not, find all relevant information here!
Background: Read more in the post dedicated to this event. UPDATES: we may have maxed out the number of kids who can come. I’m checking on this. There are still adult tickets (by donation), but they are selling fast this week. Our team has begun posting prep articles to our facebook event for discussion. Join us to learn about ourselves so we can be better co-conspirators.
Contact Information: riveterscollective@gmail.com
Source: Re Sources for Sustainable Communities, Climate Solutions
Description: Call your legislators and ask them to support Oil Spill Prevention (SB 6269), phasing out non-native Atlantic salmon farming (SB 6086; HB 2957), stabilizing funding for toxic cleanup (SB 6422), and bold climate action (SB 6253, SB 6203, HB 2338, HB 2328).
Background:
- Oil Transportation safety (SB 6269): Orcas, salmon, and our way of life in the Salish Sea are constantly at risk of a devastating oil spill, whether by vessel in our marine waters or by pipeline crossing our rivers. To make matters worse, the state Department of Ecology’s Oil Spills program is severely underfunded and may not be able to adequately respond to an oil spill. Ecology has no way to adequately contain an oil spill of this type. Our fishing economy, tourism, and quality of life could be devastated if we aren’t prepared. The Oil Spills Prevention Act would secure stable and reliable funding for oil spill prevention and preparedness work, fully implement marine protections, and strengthen protection tools.
- Non-native Atlantic salmon farming (SB 6086, HB 2957). In August 2017, over 160,000 Atlantic Salmon from an open water net-pen operation managed by Cooke Aquaculture escaped due to a structural failure. This was a wake-up call to many in our community about the fact that these non-native salmon are being cultivated in our marine waters. Raising non-native Atlantic Salmon poses a wide range of risks — from water pollution, with the use of antibiotics and concentrated feces, to disease outbreaks that can harm our already-endangered native salmon populations.
- Stabilizing Funding for Toxic Cleanup (SB 6422). The state’s Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) provides funding to clean up areas polluted by chemicals and toxics from decades of industry that are harmful to human and animal health. This funding is put to use locally for the Bellingham Waterfront and the Blaine Marina cleanups, to name a couple examples. Unfortunately, funding for MTCA is often uncertain due to the volatility of the Hazardous Substance Tax (HST) which is a tax on the importation of oil, pesticides, and other chemicals. As we’ve seen, the price of oil can drop or rise dramatically, making it difficult for budget forecasting. SB 6422 is similar to a bill introduced last year (HB 2182), which have stabilized MTCA funding through a tiered tax structure.
- Act on Climate. 2018 is the year for meaningful climate action. Climate impacts have been felt across the state, from longer and more severe droughts impacting farmers, raging wildfires and smoke, to warmer, rising, more acidifying seas threatening coastal communities and livelihoods. Now is the time for our state to show national leadership. Elements of comprehensive climate action includes effectively reducing carbon pollution, addressing the needs of impacted communities, mitigating climate impacts by investing in clean water, healthy forests, and sustainable infrastructure, investing in state’s growing clean energy economy, and providing protection for workers and energy-intensive, trade-exposed businesses. Climate Solutions recommends asking legislators to support all of the legislation belowL
- 100% Fossil Free electricity (SB 6253) would end development of new fossil-fueled power plants in Washington. Let’s stop making it worse so we can make it better!
- Investing in a just transition to clean energy (SB 6203) would charge fossil fuel suppliers for their climate-warming carbon pollution. Let’s invest in ensuring that clean energy and transportation choices are available and affordable for everyone.
- Clean fuels (HB 2338). It’s time to start busting up the oil monopoly and increasing the availability of cleaner alternatives!
- Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) (HB 2328). In California and Oregon, they have more affordable electric vehicles available at car dealerships. You know why? Because they have a ZEV law. We need that!
Contact Information:
42nd District
Senator Doug Ericksen
(360) 786 – 7682
Representative Luanne Van Werven
(360) 786 – 7980
Representative Vincent Buys
(360) 786 – 7854
40th District
Senator Kevin Ranker
(360) 786 – 7678
Representative Kristine Lytton
(360) 786 – 7800
Representative Jeff R. Morris
(360) 786 – 7970
Suggested Script:
To Senators:
Hi, my name is [first and last name] and I live in [town name] in the [42nd or 40th] district. I’m calling to voice my support for legislation that supports oil spill prevention, phases out Atlantic salmon farming, stabilizes funding for toxic cleanup, and bold climate action. I respectfully urge Senator [Last Name] to vote yes on SB 6269,SB 6086, SB 6422, SB 6253, and SB 6203). Thank you for listening to my concern.
Or
To Representatives:
Hi, my name is [first and last name] and I live in [town name] in the [42nd or 40th] district. I’m calling to voice my support for legislation that would phase out Atlantic salmon farming and promote a transition to a clean energy economy and future. I respectfully urge Representative[Last Name] to vote yes on HB 2957, HB 2338, and HB 2328). Thank you for listening to my concern.
Additional Information:
Re Sources: Legislative session: what we’re watching, what you can do
Environmental Priorities Coalition: 2018 Environmental Priorities
Request Your Ballot by 7 Feb @ 4pm: Whatcom Conservation District Board Election
Source: Riveters Collective
Description: Fill out this web form to receive a ballot for the Whatcom Conservation District Board election. Deadline 7 Feb 2018 at 4pm.
Attend Public Meeting and/or Comment on Proposed Cleanup of Cornwall Avenue Landfill
Source: Department of Ecology
Description: Have you seen those white-tarped mounds at the end of Cornwall Ave on the Bellingham waterfront? Learn about the preliminary design for cleaning up a portion of the site at a public meeting on February 15 and/or provide comment online.
Background: In December 2017, the Department of Ecology invited the public to comment on an engineering design report for the cleanup of a portion of the Cornwall Avenue Landfill cleanup site on the Bellingham waterfront. The report provides the preliminary design for isolating contamination and controlling landfill gas. The report was prepared by the Port of Bellingham, the City of Bellingham, and the State Department of Natural Resources, with Ecology oversight. Ecology has scheduled a public meeting for February 15 and extended the comment period through Thursday, February 22.
Public Hearing/Contact Information:
Public Meeting
February 15, 2018, 6 – 8 pm
Ecology Office (new location next to Squalicum Creek Park)
913 Squalicum Way, Unit 101, Bellingham, WA 98225
Click here to submit comment online.
Additional Information:
- Dept. of Ecology: Cornwall Avenue Landfill site status
- Cornwall Avenue Landfill Engineering Design Report
Thank Governor Inslee for Rejecting the Tesoro Oil Terminal
Source: Stand Up to OIl
Description: Thank the Governor for rejecting what would have been the largest oil terminal in the nation, the Tesoro Savage oil train terminal.
Contact Information:
Governor Jay Inslee
360-902-4111
TTY/TDD call 711 or 1-800-833-6388
http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/contact/send-gov-inslee-e-message
Or click for online comment form.
Suggested Script: Dear Governor Inslee, Thank you for your denial of the Tesoro oil terminal project and for your continued leadership in support of bold climate actions. I am so proud and inspired that communities all over the state are coming together for a clean energy future!
Sincerely,
Additional Information:
Vote YES on the Bellingham Public Schools Bond
The Riveters Collective Board voted unanimously to support the school bond. For more information see the BPS 2018 bond information page.
Get Tickets to Let's Talk: Stretching our Edges on Race and Privilege
Source: Riveters Collective, Co3 Consulting, Bellingham Community Food Co-op and Cascadia Deaf Nation.
Description: The organizing team met at BUF last week and decided to change the seating arrangement which allowed us to open 30 more spaces. February 11th, 2 – 4:30, Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Social Hall. Reserve tickets through Eventbrite. If you’re on Facebook, join the event for updates. If not, find all relevant information here!
Background: Read more in the post dedicated to this event. UPDATES: we may have maxed out the number of kids who can come. I’m checking on this. There are still adult tickets (by donation), but they are selling fast this week. Our team has begun posting prep articles to our facebook event for discussion. Join us to learn about ourselves so we can be better co-conspirators.
Contact Information: riveterscollective@gmail.com
Source: Department of Ecology
Description: Have you seen those white-tarped mounds at the end of Cornwall Ave on the Bellingham waterfront? Learn about the preliminary design for cleaning up a portion of the site at a public meeting on February 15 and/or provide comment online.
Background: In December 2017, the Department of Ecology invited the public to comment on an engineering design report for the cleanup of a portion of the Cornwall Avenue Landfill cleanup site on the Bellingham waterfront. The report provides the preliminary design for isolating contamination and controlling landfill gas. The report was prepared by the Port of Bellingham, the City of Bellingham, and the State Department of Natural Resources, with Ecology oversight. Ecology has scheduled a public meeting for February 15 and extended the comment period through Thursday, February 22.
Public Hearing/Contact Information:
Public Meeting
February 15, 2018, 6 – 8 pm
Ecology Office (new location next to Squalicum Creek Park)
913 Squalicum Way, Unit 101, Bellingham, WA 98225
Click here to submit comment online.
Additional Information:
- Dept. of Ecology: Cornwall Avenue Landfill site status
- Cornwall Avenue Landfill Engineering Design Report
Thank Governor Inslee for Rejecting the Tesoro Oil Terminal
Source: Stand Up to OIl
Description: Thank the Governor for rejecting what would have been the largest oil terminal in the nation, the Tesoro Savage oil train terminal.
Contact Information:
Governor Jay Inslee
360-902-4111
TTY/TDD call 711 or 1-800-833-6388
http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/contact/send-gov-inslee-e-message
Or click for online comment form.
Suggested Script: Dear Governor Inslee, Thank you for your denial of the Tesoro oil terminal project and for your continued leadership in support of bold climate actions. I am so proud and inspired that communities all over the state are coming together for a clean energy future!
Sincerely,
Additional Information:
Vote YES on the Bellingham Public Schools Bond
The Riveters Collective Board voted unanimously to support the school bond. For more information see the BPS 2018 bond information page.
Get Tickets to Let's Talk: Stretching our Edges on Race and Privilege
Source: Riveters Collective, Co3 Consulting, Bellingham Community Food Co-op and Cascadia Deaf Nation.
Description: The organizing team met at BUF last week and decided to change the seating arrangement which allowed us to open 30 more spaces. February 11th, 2 – 4:30, Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Social Hall. Reserve tickets through Eventbrite. If you’re on Facebook, join the event for updates. If not, find all relevant information here!
Background: Read more in the post dedicated to this event. UPDATES: we may have maxed out the number of kids who can come. I’m checking on this. There are still adult tickets (by donation), but they are selling fast this week. Our team has begun posting prep articles to our facebook event for discussion. Join us to learn about ourselves so we can be better co-conspirators.
Contact Information: riveterscollective@gmail.com
The Riveters Collective Board voted unanimously to support the school bond. For more information see the BPS 2018 bond information page.
Get Tickets to Let's Talk: Stretching our Edges on Race and Privilege
Source: Riveters Collective, Co3 Consulting, Bellingham Community Food Co-op and Cascadia Deaf Nation.
Description: The organizing team met at BUF last week and decided to change the seating arrangement which allowed us to open 30 more spaces. February 11th, 2 – 4:30, Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Social Hall. Reserve tickets through Eventbrite. If you’re on Facebook, join the event for updates. If not, find all relevant information here!
Background: Read more in the post dedicated to this event. UPDATES: we may have maxed out the number of kids who can come. I’m checking on this. There are still adult tickets (by donation), but they are selling fast this week. Our team has begun posting prep articles to our facebook event for discussion. Join us to learn about ourselves so we can be better co-conspirators.
Contact Information: riveterscollective@gmail.com
From the Calendar
Link to the Riveters Collective Calendar
Sunday February 4th noon – 4pm: People’s Tribunal at Northwest Dentention Center in Tacoma
February 5 from 6-7pm: Phone Town Hall with 42nd Distric Legislators