Author: Standing for Washington

High Country News: There were glimmers of good news across the region, from restored habitats to growing wildlife populations. Climate change and encroaching development continue to threaten biodiversity. At the same time, Westerners saw dozens of success stories in 2024.  Washington river gets legal rights — and other ballot wins Read the full article at High Country News ‘2024’s biggest Conservation Wins for the West’, by Kylie Mohr Dec 25, 2024

An article from the National Law Review discusses a recent measure passed in Everett, Washington, granting the Snohomish River watershed legally enforceable rights to exist, regenerate, and flourish. The article explains that this measure empowers residents to take legal action to protect the watershed from harm. Proponents see this as a groundbreaking move for environmental conservation, while critics raise concerns about potential legal challenges and impacts on future development projects. Read More at National Law Review City in Washington Votes to Grant Local River Legally Enforceable Right to Exist by: Eric L. Christensen, Erika H. Spanton, Christopher M. Bolte of Beveridge & Diamond PC 

Inside Climate News: An article published by Inside Climate News highlights a groundbreaking step in Washington State with the recognition of legal rights for the Snohomish River watershed. This development follows the successful passage of Initiative 24-03 in Everett, granting nature—specifically the Snohomish River and its ecosystem—legal standing in environmental matters. This decision aligns with a growing global “rights of nature” movement aimed at protecting ecosystems by acknowledging their inherent rights. Read More at Inside Climate News A River in Washington State Now Has Enforceable Legal Rights by Katie Surma Dec 5 2024

Everett Herald: Everett’s Initiative 24-03, which passed with 56% of the vote, grants the Snohomish River legal rights to protect its watershed. The measure allows residents of Everett to sue those harming the river’s health, requiring those found liable to fund restoration projects. Proponents, including the Standing for Washington campaign, view this as a step toward safeguarding the unique ecosystem that sustains the region. Read More at Voters approving Everett minimum wage, Snohomish River rights measures by Will Geschke, Wed Nov 6 2024

The Everett Herald published an article explaining that Everett voters are considering Everett Initiative 24-03, which proposes granting legal rights to the Snohomish River Watershed. Everett 24-03 aims to empower the community to take proactive measures against environmental harm. This would do things like help ensure that development projects are accountable for their impact on the watershed. The opposition is largely developers. The article states, “Multiple federal and state laws already govern the watershed,” and Everett 24-03 specifically says it does not supersede those laws. “However, laws like the Clean Water Act or Shorelines Act act differently than the proposed ordinance. Those laws regulate levels of pollution or destruction. The ballot measure flips the script, working as a preventative measure” by giving notice that anyone who might harm the watershed could be held accountable. “It’s very easy to damage an ecosystem,” said Abi Ludwig, a 24-03 campaign spokesperson. “It’s hard to restore one.” It also costs local taxpayers a lot of money for that restoration. The article continues, “The initiative follows the growing Rights of Nature movement to enshrine legal standing for ecosystems or species, the same as people or corporations. Tamaqua Borough, Pennsylvania, was the first community to give rights to nature when the town passed an ordinance stopping a toxic sludge dump from being built. Since then numerous communities, cities and even countries have granted rights to nature.” And despite the opposition claiming Everett Initiative 24-03 would encourage frivolous lawsuits, that has not been the case in those communities that have passed rights of nature ordinances. “A 2018 effort from Olympia Urban Waters League to stop a development on the Moxlie Creek Estuary sparked the Snohomish River campaign. Longtime resident and environmental activist Harry Branch tried to fight the development, but lost because of the creek’s lack of standing. ‘One reason other species (or ecosystems) don’t have standing is because they can’t stand up in court and talk,’ Branch wrote at the time.” Read more at Everett initiative asks: Should the Snohomish River have legal rights?, by Eliza Aronson, Everett Herald, November 1, 2024.

Everett voters have a unique opportunity to lead the way in environmental protection. With the Snohomish River Watershed facing increasing threats, we need bold, transformative approaches. Initiative 24-03 is not about impeding progress; it’s about redefining it to prioritize the health of our ecosystems. By granting legal rights to the watershed, we protect both nature and our community’s future. Read More at The Everett Herald ‘Comment: Everett measure would guide responsible development‘

Developers Opposing Everett 24-03 Are Lying Again David Toyer’s recent letter-to-the-editor in the Snohomish County Tribune opposing Everett Initiative 24-03 raises questionable intentions. As a key figure behind the developer-funded PAC opposing this initiative, his motives are clear: to maintain the status quo that benefits developers at the expense of our environment. Toyer’s claims about the initiative’s negative impacts are exaggerated and misleading. Let’s examine each one. Everett Initiative 24-03 empowers the community to defend its watershed in court, providing essential protections for our ecosystem where current legal frameworks might fall short. Toyer’s focus on preserving the status quo reflects the interests of developers, who are the primary opposition to this initiative and stand to gain from current practices. In contrast, voting yes on Everett 24-03 is a vote for sustainable development and responsible stewardship. It’s an opportunity to secure a healthier future for our community and ensure that we protect the environment for generations to come.

Salmon in the Snohomish River: A Case for Passing Everett Initiative 24-03 The Snohomish River is vital to the Puget Sound watershed and home to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic species—salmon. For centuries, salmon have played a crucial role in the region’s ecosystems and tribal cultures. However, salmon populations in the Snohomish River face significant threats due to habitat loss and toxic pollution. As Everett residents consider Initiative 24-03, which would grant legal rights to the Snohomish River watershed, the health of salmon must be a top concern. Habitat Loss: A Major Threat to Salmon Habitat loss is a primary cause of declining salmon numbers in the Snohomish River. Historically, the river’s estuary provided essential rearing habitat for Chinook salmon and other species. Urbanization, industrial development, and pollution have destroyed crucial spawning grounds. In fact, 90% of the river’s historic estuary habitats have been lost. This dramatically reduces the space where Chinook salmon and other species can grow and thrive. While projects like the Chinook Marsh Restoration Project are trying to reclaim these habitats, these restoration efforts face numerous challenges, including funding limitations and the need for long-term monitoring and maintenance. Additionally, the removal of riparian zones (vegetated areas near rivers) has worsened the situation, raising river temperatures and creating hostile conditions for salmon. Toxic Chemicals: The Silent Killer of Salmon Salmon in the Snohomish River are exposed to harmful chemicals like 6PPD-quinone, a tire-related chemical highly toxic to coho salmon, and PCBs and PBDEs, a fire retardant chemical. These chemicals can accumulate in the tissues of salmon, leading to reduced growth, increased disease susceptibility, and altered hormone production, further threatening salmon populations. Industrial pollution, stormwater runoff, and wastewater discharges are the main sources of these chemicals. By passing Everett Initiative 24-03, residents can take stronger legal action to prevent pollution and hold polluters accountable. Broader Impacts: Orcas, Ecosystems, and Human Health The decline in salmon doesn’t only affect the river—Southern Resident orcas, which rely on Chinook salmon, are also at risk. The health of the Snohomish River’s ecosystem directly impacts orcas and the entire Puget Sound food chain, including humans who consume salmon. Call to Action: Vote Yes on Everett Initiative 24-03 Everett 24-03 offers Everett the opportunity to protect its natural resources and give salmon a chance to recover. By granting legal rights to the river, the initiative will empower citizens to challenge harmful activities and promote a healthier environment. Protect the Snohomish River, support salmon recovery, and ensure a sustainable future for Everett. Vote yes on Initiative 24-03. Let’s not wait for the next environmental crisis to act. The time to protect the Snohomish River is now.

Affordable Housing and Environmental Sustainability: A Path for Everett Affordable housing and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand, especially when cities like Everett make conscious efforts to reduce harm to natural resources, such as the Snohomish River watershed. As the housing crisis deepens, cities must adopt policies that prioritize both affordable living and the protection of their natural environments. This is where passing Everett Initiative 24-03 becomes crucial—not just for environmental justice, but also for addressing the housing crisis in a sustainable way. The Intersection of Affordable Housing and Sustainability Hopeworks Station, a development in Everett, is a prime example of how affordable housing can also be sustainable. Hopeworks Station provides housing and support services to low-income and homeless individuals while prioritizing eco-friendly building practices. The project includes energy-efficient design, sustainable stormwater systems, and other green features, proving that affordable housing can benefit both residents and the environment. Many believe that affordable housing and environmental conservation are at odds, but this is a misconception. Green, sustainable housing can be affordable when built with modern eco-friendly techniques. Incorporating energy-efficient designs, sustainable materials, and green infrastructure can reduce long-term costs for both developers and residents. For example, energy-efficient appliances and well-insulated buildings can significantly lower utility bills for low-income families, making housing more affordable over time. Additionally, integrating green spaces within affordable housing developments can improve residents’ quality of life while preserving ecosystems. Urban gardens, green roofs, and tree canopies can help regulate temperature, manage stormwater, and reduce the urban heat island effect, all of which contribute to sustainability. By rethinking how affordable housing is designed and built, Everett can ensure that housing for its residents is both accessible and environmentally friendly. Reducing Harmful Development Near the Snohomish River Watershed One of the primary concerns when increasing housing stock is the potential impact on natural resources, like the Snohomish River watershed. Overdevelopment can lead to increased pollution, water contamination, and habitat destruction. However, there are ways for Everett to meet its housing needs without sacrificing the health of the watershed. Firstly, cities can prioritize building in areas that have already been developed, such as infill projects and redeveloping underutilized urban areas. By focusing on density in existing neighborhoods, Everett can reduce the need to expand into sensitive areas. Hopeworks Station is an excellent example of how sustainable housing can be developed within urban environments while protecting natural resources. Mixed-use developments and transit-oriented housing can also help minimize urban sprawl and reduce reliance on cars, lowering the overall environmental footprint. Implementing sustainable stormwater management systems, like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales, can help protect the watershed from the runoff often associated with new developments. By integrating these systems into the planning process, cities can create more resilient urban environments while safeguarding nearby water sources. Why Passing Everett Initiative 24-03 Will Not Harm Affordable Housing Opponents of Everett Initiative 24-03 argue that granting legal rights to the Snohomish River watershed will slow or stop housing development, exacerbating the housing crisis. However, this is a narrow view. The initiative is about striking a balance between responsible development and environmental protection. It does not seek to halt all construction but rather to ensure that future projects are designed with the health of the watershed in mind. By passing this initiative, Everett can encourage smarter, more sustainable growth. Developers will be incentivized to adopt green building practices and consider the environmental impact of their projects. In the long run, this will not only protect the Snohomish River but also ensure that housing developments are sustainable and affordable. Moreover, adopting these environmental protections can lead to innovation in housing solutions. Cities that prioritize sustainability often attract forward-thinking developers who are eager to pioneer new techniques and technologies in building. This could potentially result in more efficient, lower-cost housing that benefits both the environment and residents. Conclusion Affordable housing and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can complement each other when cities like Everett take a thoughtful approach to development. With successful local examples like Hopeworks Station, Everett has already shown that sustainable affordable housing is achievable. By passing Everett Initiative 24-03, the community can ensure that future housing projects meet the needs of both residents and the environment, helping solve the housing crisis without compromising the Snohomish River watershed. Now is the time to support smart, sustainable growth for a better future. Also, check out Via Verde in the South Bronx, a successful model of affordable, sustainable housing in a city that has proven to be cost effective for residents and maintenance for the building owners.

Snohomish Tribune: Everett voters will decide on three ballot measures in November, including two competing minimum wage initiatives and a measure that would give the Snohomish River watershed legal rights in court. The watershed initiative, also known as Everett Initiative 24-03, would grant the Snohomish River and its watershed the legal right to clean water and a healthy ecosystem. Proponents of the measure say it would give the river a voice in court and help to ensure its protection so that it can maintain its water quality and biodiversity, and contribute to a thriving Everett economy. “We know of plenty of cases where community groups tried to protect their local watersheds, only to be told they didn’t have legal standing so couldn’t take the case forward,” campaign co-manager Rachel Kurtz-McAlaine said in an email. “Current legal frameworks don’t always protect our watershed adequately and can change with the political climate.” The minimum wage initiatives would increase the local minimum wage to $20.24 an hour. The main difference between the two initiatives is whether tips would be included as part of the minimum wage. One initiative would allow up to $3.96 per hour in tipped income to contribute to the $20.24 an hour minimum wage. The two initiatives are Everett Deserves a Raise (Everett 24-01) and Raise the Wage Responsibly (Everett 24-02), sponsored by the Washington Hospitality Association. Read more at Everett’s three ballot measures include two competing minimum wage increases, by Anikka Stanley, Snohomish County Tribune, October 16, 2024. Learn more about Everett Initiative 24-03.