Environment Are WA forests worth more as carbon sponges or timber harvests? ‘Working forests’ like state-run Tiger Mountain retain greenhouse gases — but logging is deeply entrenched in Northwest economies. by Ashli Blow / August 22, 2023 / Updated at 9:20 a.m. on Aug. 25
Environment Washington’s first carbon auction sold pollution for $300 million Under the Climate Commitment Act, the money will go toward funding climate solutions and investing in communities that face environmental injustice. by Ashli Blow / March 16, 2023
Politics Washington Legislature charts ‘new beginning’ in climate change fight As the dust settles in Olympia, the state has finally embraced cap and trade, electric cars and environmental justice. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / May 3, 2021 / Updated at 8:30 a.m. on May 4
Politics Inside Washington’s $328M push to prevent disastrous wildfires The state Legislature is considering a massive investment to step up firefighting, improve forests and secure communities near the fire lines. by Levi Pulkkinen InvestigateWest / April 16, 2021 / Updated at 4:20 a.m. on April 20
Politics Washington state poised to ban guns at protests, Capitol grounds Despite opposition from Republicans and gun-rights activists, lawmakers in Olympia are working to deter ad hoc ‘patrols’ and armed protests. by Levi Pulkkinen & Katie Hayes InvestigateWest / April 9, 2021
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