Politics Washington passes law to cut ‘forever chemicals’ in makeup Starting in 2025, the Toxics-Free Cosmetics Act will be among the country’s strongest legislation against hazardous products. by Joseph Winters Grist / May 18, 2023
Environment Seattle-based outdoor gear retailer REI to ban PFAs In 2024, new standards will eliminate 'forever chemicals' in the company's products after more than a year of pressure from environmental groups. by Joseph Winters Grist / March 8, 2023
Environment PNW landfills reached ‘explosive’ methane emission levels in 2022 Washington and Oregon sites had leakages 20 times more concentrated than the Clean Air Act limit standards. by Joseph Winters Grist / November 3, 2023
Equity State Patrol under pressure to examine bias in traffic stops following investigation Officials have not filed a report since 2009 that examines the race and ethnicity of drivers who troopers stop and search. by Jason Buch InvestigateWest / January 28, 2020
Politics Inslee, environmentalists want aggressive action on climate, including a clean fuel standard They call this year’s Washington legislative session an opportunity to complete unfinished business. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / January 14, 2020
Equity Native American drivers are more likely to be searched by Washington State Patrol While the searches occur at five times the rate for white drivers, they are less likely to turn up drugs or other contraband. by Jason Buch & Joy Borkholder Investigate West / December 19, 2019
Politics Racial bias study for WA State Patrol could resume after 13 years House budget has $50,000 to fund a collaboration between State Patrol and WSU to analyze traffic stops for evidence of bias. by Jason Buch InvestigateWest / March 6, 2020
Politics WA lawmakers want to fund solutions for healthier soil — and less gassy cows Bipartisan proposals before the state legislature would help scientists learn about storing carbon in soils and invest in GPS-guided tractors and climate-friendly cattle feed. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / February 20, 2020
Environment Coronavirus could make fighting Washington wildfires harder Agencies that prepare for wildfires and recruit firefighters are busy responding to the pandemic. That could be a problem come summer. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 27, 2020
Environment Climate bills in WA a ‘comprehensive failure’ in 2020, critics say Key legislation to cut carbon emissions died, while goal-setting bill offers no path to reach target. by Katherine Long InvestigateWest / March 25, 2020