Search Results - Washington State Department of Ecology

State emissions rise in new greenhouse gas data

January 14, 2021 News release: New greenhouse gas data shows that emissions rose 1.3% from 2017 to 2018.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/jan-14-state-emissions-rise-in-new-greenhouse-gas

Yakima area air quality focus of March 24 listening sessions

March 10, 2022 News release: On March 24, the Washington Department of Ecology will host two virtual listening sessions for Yakima area residents to hear about their concerns with air quality issues in their communities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/march-10-yakima-listening-sessions-on-march-24

Washington proposes restricting refrigerants linked to global warming

July 13, 2023 News release: Washington proposes a rule to ban the sale of new air conditioners and commercial refrigeration that contain hydrofluorocarbons.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/july-13-hfc-rule-proposal

$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

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

$40 million available for streamflow restoration projects

January 2, 2024 News release: Up to $40 million in grants is available for projects that protect and enhance streamflows while providing water for rural homes. We’re accepting applications through Feb. 29.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/jan-2-streamflow-restoration-grants

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

New rule would expand tug escort requirements, reduce risk of oil spills in Puget Sound

June 11, 2025 News release: The new rule expands tug escort requirements for small to medium-sized oil-carrying tank vessels to reduce the risk of oil spills in Puget Sound.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-11-tug-escort-rulemaking-cr-102

Ecology blazing the trail for more clean energy projects

June 30, 2025 News release: Ecology releases three environmental studies to help make early decisions about solar, onshore wind and green hydrogen clean energy facilities.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/june-30-environmental-studies-released-for-clean-energy-projects

Permiso de agua limpia para grandes operaciones ganaderas lagunas de estiércol disponible para revisión

June 21, 2022 News release: El Departamento de Ecología propone actualizaciones al permiso de calidad del agua de la Operación de Alimentación de Animales Confinados (CAFO, por sus siglas en ingles), que es la forma en que la agencia supervisa el manejo del estiércol en ciertas instalaciones.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-22-permiso-de-agua-limpia-para-grandes-operac

Washington’s litter prevention campaign aims to curb roadside debris

June 5, 2022 News release: Washington marks National Secure Your Load Day on June 6, which commemorates people whose lives were impacted or taken by unsecured loads.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/2022-litter-prevention-campaign-aims-to-curb-roads

Una nueva campaña recuerda a los ciudadanos de Washington que es "Así De Simple" evitar tirar basura en las carreteras.

September 12, 2024 News release: La campaña "Así De Simple" se lanza el 13 de septiembre con publicidad en todo el estado y asociaciones con tiendas y grupos comunitarios.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/sept-12-una-nueva-campana-recuerda-a-los-ciudadanos-de-washington-que-es-asi-de-simple

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

New business competition puts environment-focused entrepreneurs in front of like-minded investors

October 10, 2022 News release: NextCycle Environment-focused business competition shines light on primarily women- and minority-owned ventures that expand Washington's circular economy

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/nextcycle-business-pitch-competition

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

Washington sets path to phase out gas vehicles by 2035

September 7, 2022 News release: Ecology is seeking public comment on a proposed rule for the Clean Vehicles Program, including zero-emission vehicles standards, through Oct. 19.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/sept-7-clean-vehicles-public-comment

More than 35,000 drums of industrial waste removed from the Pasco Landfill

June 28, 2022 News release: More than 35,000 drums of industrial waste has been removed from the Pasco Landfill Superfund site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/pasco-landfill-completion

Ecology denies permit for Kalama methanol facility

January 19, 2021 News release: Ecology denies permit for Kalama methanol

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/jan-19-ecology-denies-permit-for-kalama-methanol

New study tallies the litter accumulating on Washington’s roads and public spaces

September 18, 2023 News release: Statewide litter study finds the amount of debris on Washington's roads well above national average.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-18-new-litter-campaign-1c0a5aec227ee54ac7f22b9cdb954bf0

State and federal agencies respond to public comments, move forward on plans for cleaning up tank waste at Hanford Site

December 19, 2024 News release: State and federal agencies responded today to public comments received on plans for treating and disposing of millions of gallons of tank waste stored in underground tanks at the Hanford Site.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2024/dec-19-holistic-agreement-responsiveness-summary

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

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

Statement from Ecology director on Supreme Court decision narrowing Clean Water Act protections

May 25, 2023 News release: A statement from Laura Watson on the May 25, 2023 Supreme Court Clean Water Act decision.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/may-25-director-watson-statement-on-supreme-court

Statement from Ecology Director Maia Bellon

December 2, 2019 News release: Maia Bellon announces she is stepping down as director of Washington's Dept. of Ecology

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/dec-2-statement-from-ecology-director-maia-bellon

Additional environmental review required for Kalama methanol project

November 22, 2019 News release: We have determined that information submitted by Cowlitz County and the project applicants is insufficient and that additional environmental review is required.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/kalama-methanol-project-announcement

Federal court strikes down attempt to limit state, Tribal rights to protect water quality

October 22, 2021 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson's comments on Oct. 21 court decision regarding federal Clean Water Act Section 401 rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-21-statement-from-ecology-director-on-court-de

Greenhouse gas reporting rules updated for new climate law

October 13, 2021 News release: New greenhouse gas reporting rules proposed for Climate Commitment Act

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2021/oct-13-greenhouse-gas-reporting-rules-updated-for

Public comment period extended for the Kalama second Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

September 29, 2020 News release: Public comment period extended for the Kalama methanol facility until Oct. 9.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/comment-period-extended-for-kalama-methanol-facili

Helping fire departments safely dispose of toxic foam

October 14, 2019 News release: We are helping local fire departments safely dispose of toxic firefighting foam.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/oct-14-helping-fire-departments-safely-dispose-of

Summer jobs now open for Southwest Washington teens ages 14-17

March 15, 2023 News release: Ecology is hiring up to 18 teenagers in Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Thurston counties this summer as part of the Ecology Youth Corps.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/march-15-summer-litter-crew-jobs-for-teens

Fall drawdown at Lake Osoyoos commences

September 16, 2019 News release: Lake Osoyoos is being drawn down for the winter. Which means increased flows to the Okanogan River this week

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/fall-drawdown-at-lake-osoyoos-commences

125 wastewater treatment plants earn outstanding performance honors

August 25, 2020 News release: 125 wastewater treatment plants earn outstanding performance awards for 2019.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/125-wastewater-treatment-plants-awards

Summer jobs now open for Central Washington teens

February 21, 2023 News release: Teens ages 14-17 can apply to Ecology Youth Corps to pick up litter and keep our state clean. Applications are due by April 3.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/feb-21-ecology-youth-corps-central-wa-2023

Irrigators in Little Spokane River watershed will likely see water restrictions this summer

August 5, 2019 News release: Some water users in the Little Spokane River basin will have to curb their consumption if lower water levels persist this season.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/aug-5-little-spokane-river-water-restrictions-poss

Ecology to host webinar, answer questions about Nooksack adjudication

January 26, 2023 News release: Ecology is hosting a webinar Jan. 30 to discuss the upcoming Nooksack water rights adjudication and answer questions.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/jan-26-nooksack-adjudication-webinar

Statement from Ecology Director Laura Watson on federal rule undermining Washington’s water quality

June 1, 2020 News release: Ecology Director Laura Watson's comments on new federal Clean Water Act Section 401 rule.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/june-1-statement-from-ecology-director-on-federal

Oil spill equipment exercise in Grays Harbor

June 22, 2022 News release: The Washington Dept. of Ecology, Port of Grays Harbor, Washington State Maritime Cooperative, and the National Response Corporation will hold an oil spill equipment exercise in Hoquiam on June 23.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/june-22-oil-spill-equipment-exercise-in-grays-harb

Funding now available to public agencies for drought relief

June 4, 2019 News release: Public agencies experiencing hardships related to drought conditions may now be eligible for funds to ease drought-related effects.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/june-4-funding-for-drought-relief

New agreement provides water for Skagit well owners

May 14, 2019 News release: We've reached an agreement with Seattle City Light to provide water to more than 400 homes in Skagit and Snohomish counties.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/may-15-new-agreement-provides-water-for-skagit-wel

Red dye diesel spills to south fork of Palouse River

April 26, 2022 News release: About 1,200 gallons of red-dye diesel spilled when an above ground storage tank failed in Pullman, Wash.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/diesel-spill-to-south-fork-palouse-river

Skagit, Snohomish landowners now have legal water source

March 19, 2020 News release: As part of the Washington Department of Ecology’s commitment to find water solutions for Skagit Basin landowners, water is now available for some landowners in Skagit and Snohomish counties affected by a 2013 state Supreme Court ruling.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/mar-19-skagit-snohomish-landowners-have-legal-wat

Summer jobs now open for Central Washington teens

March 5, 2020 News release: Ecology plans to hire as many as 72 teenagers to help clean Central Washington parks and roadways as part of the Ecology Youth Corps this summer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/litter-crew-jobs-in-central-washington

Oil spill equipment exercise near Seattle waterfront

April 11, 2022 News release: The Washington Dept. of Ecology, Kinder Morgan, and NRC will hold an oil spill equipment exercise near the Seattle waterfront on Tuesday, April 12.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/april-11-oil-spill-equipment-exercise-near-seattle

New Ecology director launches Twitter account

January 10, 2020 News release: New director launches Twitter account

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2020/jan-10-director-launches-twitter

Summer jobs now open for Central Washington teens

March 5, 2019 News release: We plan to hire 72 teenagers throughout Central Washington this summer as part of the Ecology Youth Corps.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2019/march-4-youth-corps-cro

Statement on federal No Discharge Zone decision

February 15, 2022 News release: The U.S. District Court in D.C. has upheld Washington's No Discharge Zone for Puget Sound.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-15-laura-watson-statement-on-federal-no-discha

Summer jobs open for Central WA teens

February 4, 2022 News release: Our Central Region is recruiting youth to help pick up litter on our roadways this summer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/feb-4-central-wa-eyc-recruitment

Public invited to comment on Ecology plan to clean up contaminated Georgetown site

January 13, 2022 News release: The property east of 4th Ave. is contaminated with chemicals suspected of causing cancer.

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2022/jan-13-georgetown-cleanup-public-comment-period

New rules add clarity for cap-and-invest program

September 7, 2023 News release: The Washington Department of Ecology has proposed new rules to clarify aspects of the Allowance Price Containment Reserve (APCR).

https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2023/sept-7-apcr-rulemaking