Challenges and big wins for conservation during a busy 2026 Washington legislative session
The backdrop leading into this year’s state legislative session was a difficult one, creating significant hurdles to overcome. Legislators were tasked with managing a big budget shortfall, and many necessary programs and services faced funding cuts.
Despite the challenges, we saw many wins worth celebrating. The Legislature restored critical funding for wildfire resilience, invested in Tribal land acquisition and in supporting farmers with Climate Commitment Act funds, and took needed action toward modernizing the state’s clean energy grid. The Nature Conservancy and allies were also successful in keeping investments for implementation of environmental justice by standing united with partners in opposition to proposed cuts that would have eliminated entire state agency teams. Yet, overall, the Legislature fell short by using Climate Commitment Act funds to backfill already funded projects and programs, leaving few investments to help communities address the climate crisis.
A lot happened as we navigated this complex landscape in a short 60-day session. Below, we break down the outcomes of our 2026 legislative agenda and their significance for the work ahead.
Wildfire Resilience Funding
Did the Legislature restore wildfire resilience funding that was cut last year?
Yes! Lawmakers restored $60 million in wildfire funding for the three pillars of HB 1168—response, forest health and community resilience—reversing last year’s cuts and keeping underway work on track.
Why it matters: Since the passage of HB 1168 in 2021, Washington has transformed its approach to the wildfire and forest-health crises by investing in proactive local action. Last year’s 50% funding cut would have taken us backward. In response to this cut, TNC brought together a broad coalition of partners this session and led a big campaign to show the economic benefits, broad support and impact of this funding in protecting communities and landscapes. The Legislature agreed on the importance of restoring funding, and the good and necessary work can now continue.
“This was a big win for Washington state, and we are grateful to see the Legislature recommit to a wildfire-resilient Washington. It shows that legislators know how important this funding is to their communities, on both the east and west side of the state.” — Cody Desautel, executive director for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and TNC Washington trustee
“Across our state, these wildfire resilience investments support everyone’s health and safety. We thank the Legislature for keeping its promise and taking proactive action on wildfire.” — Skippy Shaw, state government relations director for TNC in Washington
Climate Commitment Act
What happened with the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) this session—and what does it mean for future climate action?
Recent CCA emission allowances auctions have generated over $700 million to be put to work cutting emissions and helping communities facing climate impacts. But through some creative budgeting, $546 million of that new revenue was used in the 2026 state supplemental budgets for already funded projects and programs (instead of new climate investments) to free up cash for the state’s budget shortfall.
Lawmakers also advanced a bill to address the long-term stability of the CCA by ensuring pollution from emissions-intensive, trade-exposed entities (EITEs)—some of the hardest industries to reduce pollution—had a more structured path and accountability in reducing their emissions, helping ensure Washington can meet its climate goals.
Why it matters: The state likely has just one more budget cycle to make big investments before CCA revenue declines. Repurposing hundreds of millions now means fewer chances to reduce pollution and strengthen community resilience. At the same time, it is critical to ensure the state creates accountability for businesses covered by the CCA to actually work to reduce their emissions.
“ This session did little to advance the goals of the CCA. We saw few new investments in climate despite having $700 million available from recent auctions. We lost hundreds of millions in opportunities because funding was repurposed, and it’s unclear if it will be repaid. We will continue pushing to ensure the Legislature fulfills the promises of the CCA.” — David Mendoza, policy and government affairs director for TNC in Washington
“We fought hard to ensure the CCA continued to include a financial commitment to improve air quality for communities facing compounding pollution. Unfortunately, the Legislature removed the commitment of providing $10 million every year for these purposes. TNC will work to ensure this work receives needed funding moving forward. The stories and leadership from communities are powerful, and we need to make sure their priorities remain at the center of climate action.” — Jamie Stroble, climate director for TNC in Washington
What are highlights from climate projects that did get funded through the CCA?
Returning timberlands to the Skokomish Indian Tribe
$2 million was included for the Skokomish Indian Tribe to re-acquire 400 acres of timberlands within their reservation from a private timber company, placing them into Tribal stewardship and trust and maintaining sustainable forestry practices for carbon sequestration.
Why it matters: This is a perfect example of what the CCA can accomplish: investing in Tribal resilience, supporting healthy forests and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at scale.
Investing in farmers and climate-smart agriculture
The Legislature allocated $5 million for equipment grants and soil health research to place climate-smart agriculture technologies in the hands of farmers and develop locally specific practices to protect soil health.
Why it matters: Farmers face the impacts of a changing climate every day. These investments make cutting-edge technology and research accessible to farmers so they can improve soil health, boost the long-term productivity of the land and contribute to Washington’s climate goals.
Supporting affordability
CCA dollars this session also supported affordability-focused programs to lower energy costs for households across Washington:
- Helping households replace old, inefficient appliances with lower-cost, energy-efficient options ($15 million)
- Energy bill assistance for low-income households ($30 million)
- Reducing operating costs and improving energy efficiency in lower income apartment buildings ($10 million)
Why it matters: Frontline and low-income communities face the highest energy burdens and climate risks. Lowering costs and expanding access to clean technologies ensures the benefits of climate action are shared by all.
Clean Energy
What changed for clean-energy siting, transmission and data centers in 2026?
The big transmission win: The legislature passed SB 6355, creating a Washington Electric Transmission Authority to plan, finance and ensure high-priority transmission projects get built.
On data centers: A major proposal to address data center energy use made significant headway but ultimately failed (HB 2515). It would have made data centers disclose their energy and water use, pay their fair share for the energy they consume, bring on new clean energy to meet their needs and help reduce energy costs for low-income households.
The Legislature did close a loophole in the Clean Energy Transformation Act to clarify that all electricity used by data centers must comply with 100% clean power standards (SB 5982).
Other wins include reforms to the local taxation structure for clean energy to make it work better for communities that host clean-energy projects (HB 1960), and more confidentiality for Tribes in the clean-energy permitting process when sharing sensitive information to reduce harm to cultural resources (HB 2496).
Why it matters:
Washington’s grid faces rapid growth in electricity demand—yet Washington ranks 50th in the nation for siting clean energy projects and needs a lot more transmission infrastructure to deliver clean power reliably and affordably. There were several policies in play this session trying to take a bite out of this problem.
TNC’s approach to clean energy advocacy is rooted in a 3Cs approach—climate, conservation and communities—and we engaged on policies touching each of these elements. Progress was made this session, but we have a lot more work ahead.
“New energy generation and transmission investments are essential for affordable and reliable electricity that meets the needs of everyday customers and large energy users alike. Innovative policy changes like the ones TNC contributed to in Washington help expedite these investments and ensure they have positive outcomes for people, nature and the climate.” — Peter Gower, TNC Western US and Canada Division Climate and Renewable Energy Director
Reflections from TNC’s Government Relations Fellows
This session, TNC partnered with The Evergreen State College to host two paid, graduate level state government-relations fellows to help support the next generation of environmental advocates. Each fellow led advocacy on a priority bill and budget item, gaining on-the-ground experience and mentorship in working a bill and budget ask through the legislative process.
We were honored to host Lily Storbeck and Jesse Pestana as our first cohort of fellows. Below are reflections from their first legislative session.
Lily Storbeck (Master of Environmental Studies)
Portfolio: Clean energy and local tax credits, agrivoltaics and climate smart agriculture.
“My experience with TNC this session taught me that relationships built on integrity, expertise and consistency are crucial if you want to get any work done. Because of this fellowship, I feel confident in my ability to advocate for environmental issues and make a real difference in my state and community.”
Jesse Pestana (Master of Public Administration)
Portfolio: Utility wildfire mitigation, urban forestry and wildfire resilience.
“What struck me about this session was the energy and speed of it: Things move fast, priorities shift as compromises are made and bills die and everyone scrambles to make the most of limited time. I’ve always had a deep interest in policy, but never the insider’s view that this fellowship offered, and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to work directly with legislators and lobbyists to build a more sustainable future.”
How can I help advocate for people and nature?
There is a lot at stake for climate and the environment in years to come, and your voice and engagement matter! Explore our website to dive deeper into the issues or sign up for the Nature Newsletter below to recieve updates on our state and federal advocacy priorities. Together, we can rise to meet the moment and build a resilient future for people and nature alike.
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