The Yakima Basin has always served as an example of strong partnerships and collaboration in managing water.

While I was in Yakima last week to declare a statewide drought emergency, I talked with Roza Irrigation District board member Ric Valicoff to hear more about how they are responding to water supply challenges and preparing for the dry summer ahead.

Going into April with half of our usual snowpack is alarming. This is becoming an all-too common experience — and it is another example of how climate change is visibly reshaping our landscape in WA. We have to be prepared, and issuing this drought emergency now gives us the tools to move forward.

Director Sixkiller standing in a conference room with state agency leaders next to a statewide drought declaration map of Washington.

A group of state, local, Tribal, and agricultural leaders standing on a gravel road with an irrigation canal and orchards in the background.

On Wednesday, I was joined by state leaders, members of the Yakama Nation, and representatives from local irrigators and the agricultural community as we declared drought for the fourth year in a row. And this year, it’s statewide. ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who...

Great to see Clean Fuel Standard funding support community driven projects that reduce transportation emissions. From electric resource vans to workforce development programs, PSE’s new grants are helping local organizations deliver cleaner, more accessible mobility options across Washington.

States and local governments are leading the way and doing everything they can to protect our communities and our environment, but we need the federal government at the table and in the game as we prepare for the challenges ahead.

The damage climate change is causing, both in Washington and across our nation, is clear. The need to respond is obvious.

A true statesman, Billy also reinforced the power of partnerships and what can be accomplished by working together to protect our environment and natural resources.

Today we recognize the enduring legacy of Billy Frank Jr. in Washington and across the nation. He was a tireless advocate for Tribal sovereignty, clean water, and healthy habitat — work that benefits all Washingtonians today.

Congratulations to Mindy Roberts! I look forward to continuing to work together for a healthy, thriving Puget Sound in your new role. The Ecology team is proud to have one of our alumni leading the Puget Sound Partnership!

Communities across our state are experiencing the real impacts of climate change. Together we can cut greenhouse gas emissions, accelerate decarbonization and create more jobs and investments to support our communities.

Bold, collaborative action matters, which is why we continue our path toward forming a shared carbon market California and Québec to help protect our shared environment.

EPA rescinds landmark 2009 'endangerment finding' on greenhouse gases' harmful effect on climate The Trump administration is rescinding the Environmental Protection Agency's 2009 'endangerment finding' on greenhouse gases' environmental harm.

This federal action is unlawful, ignores basic science and denies what we can see with our own two eyes: Climate change endangers our communities and our health — period.

From historic floods to devastating wildfires, Washingtonians have seen the impacts of the climate crisis firsthand.

The opportunity is here. Let’s get that SHIIT built. 👷 #WAClimateAction YouTube video by Clean & Prosperous

We’re working to streamline permitting and break down barriers in order to move Washington’s clean energy economy forward. We have huge opportunities in our state as we come together to get these projects built. www.youtube.com/shorts/37uM2...

Director Sixkiller and other panelists speaking on the stage of the Future of Carbon Policy Forum event.

Director Sixkiller smiling with Kurt Beckett on the stage of the Future of Carbon Policy Forum event.

I was pleased to join a panel discussion with @cleanandprosperous.bsky.social last week on how we can accelerate the shift to clean energy. We’re on the right path, and we need to pick up the pace so we are ready for the challenges ahead.

Report finds $149 billion backlog of clean energy projects in WA The report, cheekily named “Build SHIIT Now,” says more than 250 projects, 580,000 jobs, and 24 gigawatts are at risk in Washington state due to bureaucratic delays.

Washington’s energy needs are growing – and clean energy offers us the best path to build that capacity quickly and affordably, while also protecting our environment.

Yesterday I joined @governorferguson.bsky.social, @markoliias.bsky.social, and others to celebrate the launch a new sustainable aviation accelerator. This is a big step toward decarbonizing air travel and continuing our region’s global leadership in aerospace.

This support comes at a historic moment as millions of gallons of tank waste dating back nearly 80 years are now being turned into glass for long-term disposal. Funding would also continue critical, sitewide environmental cleanup efforts to protect the Columbia River and surrounding community.

An aerial view of industrial buildings on the Hanford Site.

Thanks to the steadfast leadership of @murray.senate.gov and strong support from the entire Washington delegation, this week the House passed a budget package that includes record funding for the cleanup mission at the Hanford nuclear site.

Washington state leaders are pushing back against the Trump administration’s absurd attempt to stop the TransAlta power plant transition from coal.

The facts:

✅ There is no "energy emergency."
✅ Coal power generation has already essentially ceased.
✅ This would likely increase costs for consumers

A news headline from E&E News by Politico: EPA erases references to human-caused climate change from websites

You can erase the science, but you can’t erase what people are experiencing.

We're seeing the impacts of climate change happening now — flooding, extreme heat and drought — and they can't be ignored. That's why we continue to make real climate science a priority in Washington.

Spills responders in reflective clothing standing and providing updates to Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller standing on gravel with a cloudy, gray sky in the background.

Spills responders in reflective clothing standing together and providing updates to Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller with construction machinery and grey clouds in the background.

Our spill responders are on-call 24/7 to protect WA's environment. Last weekend, I visited the site of the Olympic Pipeline leak to meet with our Ecology team and other responders. I’m grateful for their quick response and careful monitoring to minimize environmental impacts as the leak is repaired.

Now open: Ecology's $25 million "Rails, Keels, and Wheels" grant to fund zero-emission vehicles The latest Ecology grant funded by the VW federal settlement is now open for applications. "Rails, Keels, and Wheels" is open to both businesses and non-profits.

Diesel exhaust continues to pose significant public health risks in WA, especially for communities located near industrial operations. Our new $25M grant program will reduce harmful diesel emissions by helping operators transition their fleets and equipment to cleaner, zero emission technologies.

Washington is building a better future for our communities, environment, and economy.

We’re keeping our rules updated and investing $160M in clean trucks & charging infrastructure — plus another $26.3M to build a West Coast electric & hydrogen trucking corridor.

Let’s keep moving forward.

It’s difficult to overstate how important this milestone is in the Hanford cleanup effort. Thousands of Washingtonians worked for decades to bring us to this moment. They deserve recognition for this achievement.

Trump Policies Undermine Washington’s Climate Goals, Ecology Chief Says Air Date: October 2, 2025 Paul W. Taylor, TVW

Thank you TVW for the opportunity to discuss the work we're doing at @ecology.wa.gov to protect Washington's environment on “Inside Olympia.” Washington continues to lead the way on climate, environment and science – and state leadership has never been more important.
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Clean, affordable transportation is not some lofty, futuristic goal - it is already underway. Washington and like-minded governments are proving that state leadership, smart policy, and public demand can drive lasting progress. The momentum is real, and we are not slowing down.

We’re also working with other states to defend our rights in court and collaborate through efforts like the @usclimate.bsky.social and the Accelerating to Zero Coalition also helps us stay in the driver’s seat on climate progress. State-level action and coordination are critical to lasting success.

Despite federal rollbacks, we’re not backing down. Washington has committed $130 million to zero-emission trucks, tripled public charging over the past decade, and we also just launched ZEVergreen, a statewide effort to shape the next wave of clean transportation policy.

People want to make the switch—it's more affordable and good for the climate. So this is about breaking down barriers to adoption.