Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

Ecology and Whatcom County launch environmental review of proposed renewable fuels facility

January 16, 2020 News release: We and Whatcom County are preparing to work on an environmental impact statement for a proposed renewable fuels facility in Ferndale. We're taking public comment on the scope of what this study should cover.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/jan-16-green-apple-scoping

Ecology launches environmental review of proposed pumped storage energy project near Goldendale

January 13, 2021 News release: Environmental review of Goldendale Energy Project near John Day Dam

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/goldendale-energy-project

Plastic bottle and trash bag makers must register with state by April 1

February 3, 2022 News release: New law requires some plastics include a minimum amount of recycled content beginning in 2023

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-3-plastic-producer-registration

New status, protections proposed for Soap Lake and the Cascade, Green and Napeequa rivers

July 18, 2023 News release: Proposal to name Soap Lake and the Cascade, Green, and Napeequa rivers Outstanding Resource Waters.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-18-proposed-protection-for-outstanding-resource-waters

$11.3 million available for water banking grants

August 2, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is now accepting applications for $11.3 million in water banking grants to help rural communities preserve water supplies for local use.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/august-2-water-banking-grants

Settlement reached to ensure access to critical Hanford Site data

September 14, 2023 News release: The Washington state Department of Ecology will regain direct access to critical federal data about the Hanford Site following a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-14-settlement-reached-to-ensure-access-to-critical-hanford-site-data

“Charge Where You Are”: Ecology offers grants for EV charging stations

September 26, 2023 News release: Ecology will offer $3.5 million in grants to increase access to EV charging infrastructure across Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-26-charge-where-you-are-grant-announcement

Ecology taking broad environmental planning look at potential solar, onshore wind energy facilities

September 27, 2023 News release: Ecology seeking public input on how to design environmental impact statements for solar and onshore wind energy projects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-27-ecology-seeking-public-comment

Plastic bottles and bags to be made with more recycled content

October 31, 2023 News release: New regulations from the Washington Department of Ecology will increase the value of plastic that gets recycled and reused to make new plastic packaging.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/oct-31-law-increases-recycling-decreases-waste

State and EPA ready grants to restore salmon habitat, improve water quality near Puget Sound

November 14, 2023 News release: EPA has awarded Ecology up to $30 million to boost the health of Puget Sound rivers and streams.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/nov-14-state-and-epa-ready-grants-to-restore-salmon-habitat-improve-water-quality-near-puget-sou

Washington aces first Climate Commitment Act compliance test

November 15, 2024 News release: Climate Commitment Act businesses had to turn in emissions allowances for the first time in November. 99.9% were submitted-- a strong start to achieving the policy’s greenhouse gas limits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/nov-15-washington-aces-first-climate-commitment-act-compliance-event

Community grants available to improve outdoor air for most vulnerable

August 29, 2024 News release: Ecology is providing $10 million from Climate Commitment Act funds for grants to improve air quality in overburdened communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-29-community-grants-open-to-improve-air-quality

Most EPS foam containers banned from sale and distribution in WA starting June 1

May 29, 2024 News release: Beginning June 1, it will be illegal to sell or distribute expanded polystyrene foam coolers, plates, bowls, cups, trays and clamshell containers in Washington

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-29-eps-foam-clamshell-containers-plates-bowls-cups-trays-and-coolers-are-banned-for-sale

More than $3 billion approved for Hanford Site cleanup – a new record

March 11, 2024 News release: On Saturday, March 9, President Joe Biden signed a historic budget for Hanford Site cleanup work.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-11-more-than-3-billion-approved-for-hanford-site-cleanup-a-new-record

State penalizes Kent recycling company $33,000 for dangerous waste violations

January 16, 2025 News release: Ecology is issuing a $33,000 penalty to Total Reclaim, Inc. (TRI) in Kent for violations of the state’s dangerous waste regulations

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/jan-16-state-penalizes-kent-recycling-company-33-000-for-dangerous-waste-violations

State moves to ban known carcinogen in cosmetics

February 6, 2025 News release: Proposed rule to restrict 28 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics made, sold or distributed in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/feb-6-tfca-formaldehyde-releasers-rulemaking-proposal

Colville Tribes and Ecology announce partnership to improve air quality

March 26, 2025 News release: Ecology and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation sign an agreement to improve air quality.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/march-26-ecology-and-colville-mou

Ecology completes environmental review for proposed Kalama methanol facility

December 21, 2020 News release: Ecology releases the final Second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Kalama methanol facility

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/dec-21-kalama-sseis

2019 data shows greenhouse gas emissions increased

December 28, 2022 News release: The latest data available in Washington’s inventory of greenhouse gas emissions shows statewide emissions rose in 2019, reaching their highest mark since 2007.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/dec-28-2019-state-ghg-inventory

New climate research shows need for deep cuts in Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions

December 19, 2019 News release: New research predicts that climate change will damage Washington’s environment, so we recommend eliminating nearly all sources of carbon pollution by 2050.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-19-new-climate-research-shows-need-for-deep-cu

Wetlands remain protected in Washington state despite recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling

June 5, 2023 News release: Wetlands retain state protections in Washington following a Supreme Court decision on federal protections.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/june-5-wetlands-permitting

Ecology declares drought emergency

July 14, 2021 News release: Extreme heat and prolonged dryness result in emergency drought declaration for most of Washington state.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/2021-drought-declaration

Environmental penalties for first quarter 2020

May 12, 2020 News release: We issued $1,035,200 in penalties of $1,000 or more from January through March 2020.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/may-12-1st-quarter-penalties

Summary of environmental penalties issued for 4th quarter of 2020

February 4, 2021 News release: Ecology penalties over $1000 for the 4th quarter of 2020.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/feb-4-4th-quarter-penalties

Ecology fines 35 plastic producers $416,000 for not using enough recycled plastic

October 3, 2024 News release: $416,000 in penalties handed to plastic producers that did not comply with recycled content law

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/oct-3-ecology-fines-35-plastic-producers-416-000-for-not-using-enough-recycled-plastic

Environmental penalties issued for the fourth quarter of 2023

August 19, 2024 News release: Ecology issued $1,109,200 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2023.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/aug-19-penalty-summary-for-quarter-4-2023

Proposed plan would guide Washington’s efforts to better prepare for and deal with climate impacts

June 11, 2024 News release: Working with other state agencies to update Washington’s Climate Resilience Strategy, Ecology has released a draft of that strategy and is seeking public comment on the plan.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/draft-climate-resilience-strategy

Ecology, Safeway, and Washington State University partner to feed cougs well

April 7, 2025 News release: Ecology, Safeway, and WSU partner to fight college hunger during Food Waste Reduction Week

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/april-7-ecology-safeway-and-washington-state-university-partner-to-feed-cougs-well

Nuevo estudio calcula la cantidad de basura que se acumula en las carreteras y áreas públicas de Washington

September 18, 2023 News release: Acabar con la basura en su punto de origen es el objetivo de una nueva campaña estatal

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-18-new-litter-campaign

Washington's sustainable business accelerator chooses new projects for support

April 22, 2024 News release: NextCycle Washington, state's sustainable business accelerator, chooses 13 new projects to back.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/april-22-washington-s-sustainable-business-accelerator-chooses-new-projects-for-support

Plan to cut statewide fuel emissions 20% starts Jan. 1

November 28, 2022 News release: New Clean Fuel Standard will tackle Washington’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/nov-28-clean-fuel-standard-adoption

La campaña 'Así de simple', ayuda a tener un Washington libre de basura

April 17, 2023 News release: La iniciativa estatal de prevención de basura alienta a los residentes a tomar medidas para prevenir que la gente bote basura en las carreteras

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-17-la-campana-asi-de-simple

Préstamos para reparar o reemplazar su sistema séptico ahora están disponibles en todo el estado

September 21, 2021 News release: Dueños de hogar en más de 17 condados ahora tienen acceso a un programa que ha ayudado a 1,200 dueños.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/sept-21-septico-prestamos

State begins work to implement Climate Commitment Act

August 6, 2021 News release: Ecology begins rulemaking to implement Climate Commitment Act.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/aug-6-state-begins-work-to-implement-climate-commi

Water quality permit holders to see updated fees in 2023

March 22, 2023 News release: The fees paid by the 6,800 water quality permittees in Washington state are undergoing a revision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-22-water-quality-permit-fee-rule

Chehalis Basin projects receive $4.7 million to create jobs, restore habitat

June 10, 2020 News release: We provided funds to a team of experts who have awarded $4.7 million in grants for 20 aquatic habitat restoration projects in the Chehalis Basin.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/chehalis-basin-aquatic-habitat-grants

Más de 35,000 barriles de desechos industriales removidos del Pasco Landfill

June 28, 2022 News release: Más de 35,000 barriles de desechos industriales removidos del Pasco Landfill

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-28-mas-de-35-000-barriles-de-desechos-industr

Environmental penalties for fourth quarter 2019

February 24, 2020 News release: Environmental penalties for fourth quarter 2019

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/feb-24-4th-quarter-penalites

Industrial site in Whatcom County penalized $900,000 for dangerous waste violations

December 5, 2023 News release: Ecology is issuing a $900,000 penalty to Treoil for failure to comply with Washington’s dangerous waste laws.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/dec-5-treoil-dangerous-waste-penalty

Preventing litter? New campaign reminds Washingtonians it’s as ‘Simple As That’

September 12, 2024 News release: The “Simple As That” litter prevention campaign launches September 13 with advertising around the state and partnerships with retailers and community groups.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-12-preventing-litter-new-campaign-reminds-washingtonians-it-s-as-simple-as-that

New rulemaking effort aims to keep toxics out of cosmetics

May 22, 2024 News release: Announcement of rulemaking to identify and restrict the use of formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics made, sold, or distributed in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-22-tfca-rulemaking-announcement

Ecology files water rights adjudication in Whatcom County Superior Court

May 2, 2024 News release: Today Ecology filed a water rights adjudication in Whatcom County Superior Court. This legal process will review and prioritize all water use in the Nooksack basin and nearby areas.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/may-2-nooksack-adjudication-filing

'Use Food Well': New campaign seeks to reduce food waste in Washington

March 28, 2024 News release: On April 1, the Washington Department of Ecology will launch the Use Food Well campaign in conjunction with the start of National Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1 to 7.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/mar-28-use-food-well

Environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2021

November 16, 2021 News release: Environmental penalties issued for the 3rd quarter of 2021.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/nov-16-3rd-quarter-environmental-penalties

Updates proposed to lab accreditation process

April 19, 2023 News release: Seeking public input on proposed changes to the Accreditation of Environmental Laboratories rule. Changes include improved guidelines and updated fees.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/april-19-updates-to-lab-accreditation-process

Pilchuck River watershed needs cool pools and more shade

October 15, 2020 News release: Comment on a plan to cool the Pilchuck River and its tributaries and protect their dissolved oxygen levels

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-15-pilchuck-watershed

Ecology invests $22 million to help rivers and streams

October 7, 2020 News release: Communities around the state will soon receive grant funds to support projects that protect rivers and improve streamflows. The Washington Department of Ecology is investing up to $22 million in 21 high priority projects located in 16 watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/oct-7-streamflow-restoration-grants

Ecology invests nearly $35 million to help rivers and streams

October 5, 2022 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology is slated to distribute about $35 million for 26 streamflow restoration projects in 22 watersheds.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/oct-5-streamflow-grants

No bags in the bin! Plastic bags contaminate recycling system

April 5, 2023 News release: Ecology awareness campaign aims to reduce plastic bags contamination in Washington’s residential recycling.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/recycle-right-no-bags-in-the-bin

Washington finalizes historic cap-and-invest plan to slash carbon pollution

September 29, 2022 News release: Washington finalizes historic plan to slash carbon pollution by adopting cap-and-invest regulations.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-29-cap-and-invest-adoption