CLIMATE AND HEALTH
At WPSR, we believe that the climate crisis is the gravest threat to human health of our time.
GTN Xpress Expansion: A Human Health Failure
A report has revealed significant safety concerns along the Gas Transmission Northwest (GTN) Xpress pipeline, leading the company to reduce natural gas flows. The incident follows warnings from a former inspector about corrosion and damage. Details are limited, leaving communities in the dark about potential risks. The Stop GTN Xpress coalition, which opposes the pipeline's expansion, is calling for increased transparency, reforms to safety reporting, and a shift toward safer, renewable energy solutions.
Read more | Keep up with WPSR’s Work on Fossil Fuels | Take Action
Latest News and Updates
Join us on January 7th at 6pm for our Legislative Kickoff: WPSR’s Climate and Health Task Force will be hosting a special virtual legislative kickoff event on Tuesday, January 7th at 6pm. Hosted alongside our Economic Inequity and Health Task Force, the event will give you everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Learn more | Add to your calendar
"I-2117: A Risk to Our Health”: This report, authored by WPSR’s community of healthcare professionals, examines the significant health threats posed by Initiative 2117, which seeks to repeal Washington's Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The analysis highlights the critical health benefits of the CCA, including improved air quality, reduced respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and support for overburdened communities. Maintaining the CCA is vital for the health of all Washingtonians. Read the full report here.
WPSR’s Dr. Mary Beth Bennett makes the case for electrification in a new video put together by our partners at Resource Media. Learn about the serious health threats posed by gas stoves, and why electrifying the places where we live and work is such a critical step to take both for the climate and for our health.
Learn about our issues
The Climate and Health Task Force
WPSR’s Climate and Health Task Force is composed of over 30 healthcare professionals that have one mission: taking action to address the climate crisis. We meet monthly to organize and take action to support the issues we care about. Our Task Force Members have:
Lobbied elected officials to take action on greenhouse gas emissions, harmful pollutants, and dangerous pipelines
Written groundbreaking reports on the health impacts of climate change and ballot initiatives
Testified in front of committees, commissions, and councils
Featured in podcasts, videos, television, and articles discussing the negative health impacts of the climate crisis
Our Work
I-2117: A Risk to Our Health: WPSR is proud to release our report, I-2117: A Risk to Our Health. This report highlighting the severe health risks posed by Initiative 2117, which seeks to repeal the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). Repealing the CCA would reverse significant health advancements, especially for vulnerable populations like children and overburdened communities. Download the Report | One-Pager