(Olympia, WA) A bipartisan majority (60-37) of the Washington State House of Representatives has passed precedent-setting legislation to protect people and orcas from toxic chemical pollution.
The Pollution Prevention for Our Future Act, SSB 5135, sponsored by Senator Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), passed the Senate in March by a vote of 25-24. The bill now goes back to the Senate for a concurrence vote before moving to Governor Inslee’s desk.
The bill is one of four Orca Emergency Recovery bills supported by the Environmental Priorities Coalition. All four bills have now passed both the House and Senate.
The bill directs the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) to identify and take action on harmful chemicals in consumer products that threaten the health of sensitive populations, like pregnant women and children, and sensitive species like salmon and orcas. Toxic chemicals intentionally put in consumer products are considered a major source of toxic pollution that contaminates our homes, bodies, waterways and wildlife.
Toxic-Free Future Executive Director Laurie Valeriano said, “This is landmark legislation that will comprehensively address the harmful chemicals in our homes, bodies and waterways. It will stop pollution before it starts, which is the most cost effective, smartest way to get real results. Less toxic pollution will mean healthier people, salmon and orcas. We are calling on the Senate to concur and send the Pollution Prevention for our Future Act to the Governor’s desk.”