Excerpted from WFSE/AFSCME Council 28's HOTLINE by Tim Welch:
GREEN CAUCUS MAKES IMPACT IN LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS
Wednesday
was the lobby day in Olympia for the Federation’s Green Caucus and their members
made a splash on two environmental bills up for hearings that day.
SB
6406 would, among other things, charge for hydraulic project approvals – permits
for projects affecting water. But it would also change key parts of this state’s
environmental keystone, the State Environmental Policy
Act (SEPA).
That’s a concern, two of the Federation’s Green Caucus members told the Senate
Energy, Natural Resources and Marine Waters Committee.
“I support the
concept of more revenue for important programs,” said Kerry Graber, a Local 443
members with the Department of Ecology in Lacey.
But, she added, “We
do have concerns about the changes to SEPA and the changes to citizen access. I
think it’s a union value and a public service value that a citizen should have
as much access to information.”
Bellingham Local 1060 DSHS Green
Caucus member Michele Stelovich echoed Graber’s concerns.
“Our
ability to participate in our growth management and how our waters are cleaned
up is essential to our communities,” Stelovich told the senators.
In
the second Green Caucus committee appearance of the day, Graber and another
Local 443 Ecology member, Dolores Mitchell, urged caution on SB 6211 to speed up
cleanup of hazardous waste sites.
The bill came before the Senate
Environment Committee.
“As a citizen, I ask that you not change the
Model Toxics Control Act without a citizen referendum, particularly changes to
the liability issues,” Mitchell testified. “Liability release leaves the public
without protections against inadequate cleanups and no recourse in the event of
human and environmental health harms that result. Particularly, it lets the
polluters off the hook.”
“We have exemplary public servants who work
really hard to speed these cleanups along as quickly as possible…,” Graber said.
“We feel that placing that important decision of when something is
cleaned up into the hands of a consultant whose motives may be profit or solely
the client’s interest instead of the public interest is a real shift in
policy.”
Friday, January 27, 2012
Nicole Foss to Speak this Sat Jan 28 at 7 PM
Nicole Foss: "Roadmap for the Coming Years of Crisis"
Saturday 28 Jan 7:00 pm
Nicole Foss, internationally recognized speaker on energy, finance, and psychology, presents an informative evening at the Olympia Friends Meeting House, 3201 Boston Harbor Road NE, from 7 to 9 PM on January 28, 2012.
Tickets $10-25 sliding scale; no one turned away for lack of funds. Sponsored by the Green Party of Washington State.
Ms. Foss will speak on how to prepare for peak oil, climate change, the current financial crisis, and the increasingly imminent general collapse of imperial capitalism, aka corporate globalism. Ms. Foss says that localized, self-reliant communities will give us not only economic resilience but inner strength as well. This looks to be a fun, as well as informative, presentation.
Nicole Foss is an international energy and finance expert, and co-editor of www.theautomaticearth.blogspot.com blog. Formerly, she was a Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies where she specialized in nuclear safety in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, she conducted research into electricity policy at the EU level, and is former editor of The Oil Drum - Canada. Ms. Foss is an internationally known speaker on the subject of Peak Oil and the collapse of the global financial system.
Saturday 28 Jan 7:00 pm
Nicole Foss, internationally recognized speaker on energy, finance, and psychology, presents an informative evening at the Olympia Friends Meeting House, 3201 Boston Harbor Road NE, from 7 to 9 PM on January 28, 2012.
Tickets $10-25 sliding scale; no one turned away for lack of funds. Sponsored by the Green Party of Washington State.
Ms. Foss will speak on how to prepare for peak oil, climate change, the current financial crisis, and the increasingly imminent general collapse of imperial capitalism, aka corporate globalism. Ms. Foss says that localized, self-reliant communities will give us not only economic resilience but inner strength as well. This looks to be a fun, as well as informative, presentation.
Nicole Foss is an international energy and finance expert, and co-editor of www.theautomaticearth.blogspot.com blog. Formerly, she was a Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies where she specialized in nuclear safety in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, she conducted research into electricity policy at the EU level, and is former editor of The Oil Drum - Canada. Ms. Foss is an internationally known speaker on the subject of Peak Oil and the collapse of the global financial system.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
DuPont gravel mine settlement agreement gets final approval
Here's a small victory for public employee unions in the environmental field: announcement from Governor's Office today (1/26/2012)
Ecology and three other parties announced today that an accord has been reached on a settlement agreement regarding DuPont gravel mining and watershed-shoreline protection.
The city of DuPont, Ecology, CalPortland Co., and a broad-based environmental coalition put together the agreement allowing CalPortland to seek new mining permits in the area while protecting the nearby Puget Sound shoreline and paying to restore Sequalitchew Creek. The DuPont City Council voted to authorize the agreement Tuesday night. This was the final step needed to ratify the DuPont Settlement Agreement, negotiated over a three-year period ending in 2011.
The environmental coalition includes Nisqually Delta Association, the Washington Environmental Council, People for Puget Sound, the Anderson Island Quality of Life Committee, and the Tahoma and Black Hills and Seattle Audubon societies. The company is seeking permits to expand mining into some 350 adjacent acres from the existing mine site. The negotiations involve a 1994 agreement that settled two decades of environmental disputes and appeals of shoreline development plans by creating a new vision for the shoreline’s use and protection and agreeing to a location for a dock to ship mining products. Mining began in 1997.
CalPortland predicts this agreement will help preserve approximately 60 union positions. Another 40 jobs lost during the economic downturn also could be eventually restored. In addition, the activities envisioned by the settlement agreement are likely to provide hundreds of hours of work for environmental engineers, consultants and contractors. This agreement does not approve or authorize any new mining. Both the restoration plan and any mining proposal will undergo the normal review processes, including opportunities for public input. This continuation of the 1994 settlement agreement includes preservation of 45 acres of Puget Sound shore lands and adjacent open space as well as improving flows in Sequalitchew Creek – both of which will help restore South Puget Sound. Recent studies also show that even modest increases in the water flowing through the creek would dramatically improve access to, and quality of, its fish habitat.
Ecology and three other parties announced today that an accord has been reached on a settlement agreement regarding DuPont gravel mining and watershed-shoreline protection.
The city of DuPont, Ecology, CalPortland Co., and a broad-based environmental coalition put together the agreement allowing CalPortland to seek new mining permits in the area while protecting the nearby Puget Sound shoreline and paying to restore Sequalitchew Creek. The DuPont City Council voted to authorize the agreement Tuesday night. This was the final step needed to ratify the DuPont Settlement Agreement, negotiated over a three-year period ending in 2011.
The environmental coalition includes Nisqually Delta Association, the Washington Environmental Council, People for Puget Sound, the Anderson Island Quality of Life Committee, and the Tahoma and Black Hills and Seattle Audubon societies. The company is seeking permits to expand mining into some 350 adjacent acres from the existing mine site. The negotiations involve a 1994 agreement that settled two decades of environmental disputes and appeals of shoreline development plans by creating a new vision for the shoreline’s use and protection and agreeing to a location for a dock to ship mining products. Mining began in 1997.
CalPortland predicts this agreement will help preserve approximately 60 union positions. Another 40 jobs lost during the economic downturn also could be eventually restored. In addition, the activities envisioned by the settlement agreement are likely to provide hundreds of hours of work for environmental engineers, consultants and contractors. This agreement does not approve or authorize any new mining. Both the restoration plan and any mining proposal will undergo the normal review processes, including opportunities for public input. This continuation of the 1994 settlement agreement includes preservation of 45 acres of Puget Sound shore lands and adjacent open space as well as improving flows in Sequalitchew Creek – both of which will help restore South Puget Sound. Recent studies also show that even modest increases in the water flowing through the creek would dramatically improve access to, and quality of, its fish habitat.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Draft Dec. 8th Minutes
MINUTES
WFSE Council 28 Green Caucus
Dec. 8, 2011
Legislative Reports:
• Alia Griffing, Matt Zupich and Bob Overturf met with Sen. Ranker on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 and discussed issues of concern to the Green Caucus.
• Kerry Graber reported on the issue emerging regarding hydraulic permits and defense of the Model Toxics Control Account.
• Alia has produced and distributed an environmental priorities list and would like our input on it.
• Discover Pass - There appears to be strong support for a change to the law authorizing the Discover Pass to allow it to be used on up to two vehicles per household. Alia will track this and put results on the blog.
• There is a lobbying training on Jan. 7, 2011 at the Machinists Union Hall in South Seattle. There will be a keynote speaker and role playing with legislators who are volunteering their time to participate.
• There is a Green Caucus Lobby Day scheduled for Jan. 25th. A Green Caucus face-to-face meeting on the evening of the 24th is a possibility.
• Gerry Pollet of King County has been appointed to the late Sen. White’s seat after he passed away unexpectedly. Paulette was previously affiliated with Heart of America Northwest.
• Kerry proposed that Climate Solutions be given a half hour at the start of our Jan. 12th meeting. The group agreed to allocate that time to Climate Solutions.
• Alia Griffing reported on the activities of a group of conservative Democrats in the state s
Senate who are called the Roadkill Caucus, and are known for blocking adoption of Progressive, pro-labor legislation.
• The group discussed the need to organize a group of volunteers from our group who would track bills as they move through the legislative process. The group agreed this would be a good idea.
• Jim Wavada reported on outreach efforts to Spokane Alliance, and on efforts to develop a template Lunch and Learn presentation that would introduce all of the WFSE caucuses and special groups to listeners, including the Green Caucus.
• Morton Alexander asked about our commitment to engage with other community organizations in the coal port controversy in Bellingham. He believes we should at least be gathering information and tracking the progress of that situation. Leigh Malinda asked that we invite Jeff Johnson from one of the labor unions in favor of the port siting as well as one of the community opponents
WFSE Council 28 Green Caucus
Dec. 8, 2011
Legislative Reports:
• Alia Griffing, Matt Zupich and Bob Overturf met with Sen. Ranker on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011 and discussed issues of concern to the Green Caucus.
• Kerry Graber reported on the issue emerging regarding hydraulic permits and defense of the Model Toxics Control Account.
• Alia has produced and distributed an environmental priorities list and would like our input on it.
• Discover Pass - There appears to be strong support for a change to the law authorizing the Discover Pass to allow it to be used on up to two vehicles per household. Alia will track this and put results on the blog.
• There is a lobbying training on Jan. 7, 2011 at the Machinists Union Hall in South Seattle. There will be a keynote speaker and role playing with legislators who are volunteering their time to participate.
• There is a Green Caucus Lobby Day scheduled for Jan. 25th. A Green Caucus face-to-face meeting on the evening of the 24th is a possibility.
• Gerry Pollet of King County has been appointed to the late Sen. White’s seat after he passed away unexpectedly. Paulette was previously affiliated with Heart of America Northwest.
• Kerry proposed that Climate Solutions be given a half hour at the start of our Jan. 12th meeting. The group agreed to allocate that time to Climate Solutions.
• Alia Griffing reported on the activities of a group of conservative Democrats in the state s
Senate who are called the Roadkill Caucus, and are known for blocking adoption of Progressive, pro-labor legislation.
• The group discussed the need to organize a group of volunteers from our group who would track bills as they move through the legislative process. The group agreed this would be a good idea.
• Jim Wavada reported on outreach efforts to Spokane Alliance, and on efforts to develop a template Lunch and Learn presentation that would introduce all of the WFSE caucuses and special groups to listeners, including the Green Caucus.
• Morton Alexander asked about our commitment to engage with other community organizations in the coal port controversy in Bellingham. He believes we should at least be gathering information and tracking the progress of that situation. Leigh Malinda asked that we invite Jeff Johnson from one of the labor unions in favor of the port siting as well as one of the community opponents
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Register now for meeting and lobby day
The Green Caucus will hold an in-person meeting in Olympia on January 24 and is participating in Lobby Day on January 25
Tuesday, Jan. 24th — Green Caucus meeting at WFSE Headquarters
- Legislative Roundtable (6-7pm) Legislators are invited to join us for a bite to eat & chat about the budget and policy issues.
- Progress Alliance of Washington (7-8pm)
RVSP required - contact Pam Herrick at 800-562-6002 to RSVP so a meal can be ordered for you. If you require travel or accommodations, contact Emily Roberts at 800-562-6002.
- Check-in and Legislative Briefing (9 am)
- Visits with Legislators
REGISTRATION required - contact Diana Whitmore at 800-562-6002 or register online here so appointments can made in advance.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Green Caucus Meeting Jan. 12
This
is a very important meeting for the Caucus, helping up to set our
agenda for what promises to be one of the most challenging years ever
for state workers and those who seek to protect the natural environment
in an all-cuts budget environment. We will need you help.
The meeting begins at 6 pm.
The agenda for the January 2012 Green Caucus meeting appears below, following the webconference details. To join the meeting via webconference, please use the information below to join us on Go To Meeting.
The agenda for the January 2012 Green Caucus meeting appears below, following the webconference details. To join the meeting via webconference, please use the information below to join us on Go To Meeting.
- Please join my meeting, Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 6:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. https://www3.gotomeeting.com/join/416968062 .
- Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) - a headset is recommended. Or, call in using your telephone.
Dial +1 (805) 309-0011
Access Code: 416-968-062
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting
Meeting ID: 416-968-062
WFSE Council 28 Green Caucus
DRAFT AGENDA
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012
6:00 – 7:30 PM
DRAFT AGENDA
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012
6:00 – 7:30 PM
NOTE: Co-chair Bob Overturf is not able to attend this meeting.
- Roll call and call to order – Kerry Graber
- Review and approval of minutes. – Jim Wavada
- Committee Reports – Kerry Graber
- Old Business:
- Draft agenda for Jan. 24, 2012 face-to-face meeting of Green Caucus -- Kerry Graber
- Guest organization per our decision to invite potential partner organizations to present their organizations to us. Who should we select?
- Top issues of concern for 2012
- Logistics for Jan. 24 meeting, and Jan. 25 Lobby Day – Liz Larsen
- Report on planning for Lobby Day on Jan. 25th. – Alia Griffing
- Draft agenda for Jan. 24, 2012 face-to-face meeting of Green Caucus -- Kerry Graber
- Report on Lobby Training, Jan. 7th
- Report on upcoming Legislative session and how we can help -- Alia Griffing
- Roundtable: Any local or state issues that Caucus members would like to report --All
- Update on action items from previous meeting, new action items – Kerry Graber
ADJOURN
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