DRCC’s Environmental & Climate Justice Legislative Priorities for 2026

As environmental justice communities, impacted first and worst by the climate crisis, we know the climate crisis is only getting worse. We cannot afford to divert funding from meaningful climate projects!

The Climate Commitment Act (CCA), our landmark climate law, makes polluters pay, funds critical clean energy projects, and aids communities most affected by climate change. In 2024, you and millions like you stood up to defend the CCA at the ballot box (“No on I-2117”).

Unfortunately, Washington is in a major budget deficit, and lawmakers are scrambling to fund programs and fill gaps that lost federal funding has left. However, pulling dedicated climate funding away from its intended recipients is NOT the answer.

The Duwamish Valley has the most children per capita in Seattle. When we invest in our youth today, we are creating strong families, healthy neighborhoods, and long-term placekeeping so our community can thrive through generations.

These two bills are working to put the well-being and success of our children first. Senate Bill 5126 helps schools connect students and families to mental health and behavioral health supports, so kids can get help early and stay focused on learning. House Bill 1855 strengthens protections against discrimination in schools, helping make sure every student feels safe, respected, and included - no matter their background, language, or identity.

Communities impacted by large Port districts — specifically communities around the Port of Seattle, Northwest Seaport Alliance, King County International Airport, and Sea-Tac International Airport — face significantly worse health disparities from exposures to multiple types and sources of health-harming pollution.

Currently, no laws exist to mitigate this harm.

SB 5652 would mandate Ports engage with impacted communities, implement binding environmental justice implementation plans, and partner with the University of Washington to identify sources of pollution and interventions to protect human health.