Each year, Earth Day calls us to celebrate the natural world and take action to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife that sustain us. Earth Day started in 1970, and today, 56 years after that first Earth Day, we face new global and local environmental threats. There are real reasons to feel worried right now. But here’s something else that’s real: for 3.8 billion years, life on Earth has been creating conditions conducive to life.
The 2026 legislative session delivered something rare: a meaningful climate policy win shaped by collaboration across communities, geographies, and perspectives.
HB 2416, regarding the regulation of Spokane’s Waste to Energy plant, has officially passed. With it comes a solution that protects Spokane ratepayers, upholds Washington’s Climate Commitment Act , and creates real accountability for reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions over time.
This is a big deal.
Happy Groundhog Day, everyone!
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, which means we can expect 6 more weeks of winter. While most of the country may be lamenting this prediction, much of the western US is wondering if winter has even shown up at all!
Think you know everything about The Lands Council? From our education programs to the number of trees we've planted, our work is filled with amazing milestones! Now, you can put your knowledge to the test with our exciting trivia game: By the Numbers, created by our very own Justyce. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to our mission, this game offers a fun way to celebrate our achievements and learn more about our impact in the Inland Northwest.
On February 25, 2021, we met with 15 Department of Natural Resources representatives from across the state, just north of Ford, Washington. Our goal was to demonstrate how our modular panel kiln can be assembled around existing piles of residual biomass, often referred to as slash piles. Our demonstration was designed to inform DNR reps on the feasibility of utilizing Biochar conversion to remove residual fuels from the forest, sequester carbon and create a soil amendment to enhance forest health.
By Mike Petersen
The Lands Council has just embarked on a new strategy to reduce PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls) in the Spokane River! With the support of the Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force, we are starting a national campaign to reduce PCB’s contained in newsprint ink, paint, and other products.
By Laura Ackerman
This coming legislative session will be unlike any other. As the first all-remote legislative session, communication between constituents and their legislators will be both more accessible and more challenging. It's important for us to let our legislators know that a healthy climate, clean water and environmental justice are key to the kind of pandemic recovery and economic rebuilding we need to see in Washington state.
