Politics Strong environmental justice mandates stripped out of HEAL Act The environmental proposal in the state Legislature was designed to protect communities of color, but will it make a difference? by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / April 2, 2021
Politics WA may regulate medically necessary abortions at religious hospitals As Catholic hospital mergers increase, a Senate bill deals with the care and decisions involved when a pregnancy goes wrong. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / March 26, 2021
Politics Clean fuel legislation could be blocked again by one WA Democrat For a third time, lawmakers in Olympia hope to spur more biofuel and electric cars with new restrictions on greenhouse gases. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / March 19, 2021
Environment Washington climate activists disagree about how to cut carbon A landmark bill in the state Legislature has split environmentalists, with some questioning whether it will reduce pollution in communities hardest hit by it. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / March 12, 2021 / Updated Friday, March 12 at 4:40 p.m.
Politics Prescription prices could push Washington state into the drug business Responding to federal inaction on pharmaceutical costs, lawmakers appear poised to give the state broad authority to buy or make generic drugs. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / March 5, 2021
Politics WA lawmakers look to fix climate while solving the housing crisis Efforts to expand the state’s green building rules would, among other things, phase out gas heat and appliances in most homes and businesses. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / February 19, 2021 / Updated at 8:30 a.m., Feb. 21
Politics WA lawmakers consider expanding Medicaid in pandemic’s wake Use of Medicaid insurance has grown during COVID-19, but budget shortfalls make it harder for many to get this free care. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / February 12, 2021
Politics To build up urban forests, WA cities could get help from the state A bill sponsored by a forestry veteran would pay for guidance, grant money and other resources to help cities interested in improving urban forests. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / January 26, 2021
Politics Pandemic makes Washington voters political in a new way ‘Country club’ Republicans adrift. Rural Democrats bolting the party. Seattle liberals fired up. It’s very 2020. by Levi Pulkkinen / October 26, 2020
Intentional burns, key to preventing megafires, slow to start in WA Even as the consensus for prescribed fires has grown, the number of acres actually burned each year is shrinking. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / October 19, 2020