Environment Big Oil is fighting taxes to help clean up toxic waste sites Senate Democrats are considering a bill that would nearly double the state's hazardous substances tax to pay for the projects, but they may need Republican help to pass it. by Brad Shannon Investigate West / April 25, 2019
Environment Building a seawall? These 'fish cops' might come knocking If passed by the Legislature, the new law would help save small fish and, by way of the food chain, orcas. by Brad Shannon & Robert McClure Investigate West / April 2, 2019
Environment Fixing culverts could save the orcas — but who will pay? Following a U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Washington Legislature must find the funding to rebuild the salmon-blocking structures. by Brad Shannon InvestigateWest / March 12, 2019
Politics Private utilities want more time to meet green goals Washington's Legislature could implement the state's first carbon fee in 2030. Some say that's still too fast. by Brad Shannon & Robert McClure Investigate West / February 26, 2019 / Updated at 3:30 p.m.
Environment WA's push for climate-friendly fuels could also grow jobs Depending on what the Washington Legislature does this session, gas stations could be required to offer more climate-friendly motor fuels. by Brad Shannon & Carolyn Bick InvestigateWest / January 31, 2019
Politics Will Inslee and state Dems make progress on environment this session? Democrats have a solid majority in both houses of the statehouse for the first time in years and a long list of environmental priorities. by Brad Shannon Investigate West / January 22, 2019
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Moeties, closed-door caucus meetings and our open government ideal Legislative caucuses are off limits to the press and public, including anthropologists. by David Price / March 19, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: What if lawmakers were more like the people they serve? State Sen. Andy Hill, a prototypical Washington legislator: white, male, well-educated and well to do. Not that there's anything wrong with that. by David Price / February 26, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: Legislating virtual worlds Laws about taxing or not taxing online sales are an example of a cultural invention that dictates the way we view and behave in the "real" world. by David Price / February 22, 2015
Politics Field Notes from Olympia: The power of language and the "fear grimace" Facial expressions and posture send signals about relationships and power dynamics. by David Price / February 12, 2015