Interview with Sean Arent, WPSR Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program Manager

https://xray.fm/broadcasts/63054

Guest: Sean Arent, Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program Manager. Sean talks to host Steven Glickman about where things stand with regards to nuclear proliferation.

Washington Court Rules I-2066 Unconstitutional, Protecting Public Health and Clean Energy Progress

A King County Superior Court judge has ruled that Initiative 2066 (I-2066) is unconstitutional, blocking a fossil fuel industry-backed effort to roll back Washington’s clean energy policies. The decision marks a critical victory for public health, clean air, and the state’s transition to affordable, non-polluting energy sources.

Judge Sandra Widlan ruled that I-2066 violates Washington’s constitutional "single-subject" rule for ballot initiatives, which is designed to prevent voter confusion and misleading legislation. The initiative, she said, was too broad in scope and failed to provide clear information on its sweeping effects on state and local laws, clean energy programs, and consumer protections.

“I-2066 is so broad, it requires a thorough examination of statutes [to determine its impacts]... In summary, I-2066 violates the single-subject requirement, the subject and title requirement, and the section-amended-shall-be-set-forth-at-full-length requirement. For these reasons, I-2066 is unconstitutional.” – Judge Sandra Widlan

Judge Widlan also emphasized that the ballot title misled voters about the initiative’s actual consequences:

“Would a voter know from I-2066’s title that the initiative limits the ability of the government to regulate air pollution… that building code standards as applied to gas appliances are impacted? The answer to that is no.”

I-2066 was pushed onto the 2024 ballot by fossil fuel interests, including the Building Industry Association of Washington and Let’s Go Washington, under the misleading claim that it would “protect energy choice.” In reality, Washington law has never banned gas appliances, and utilities have always been required to provide gas service to those who request it.

Instead, the initiative would have:

• Rolled back bipartisan clean energy programs, making it harder for low-income households to access efficient electric appliances.

• Weakened building efficiency standards, which help lower energy costs and reduce pollution.

• Undermined Washington’s Clean Air Act, limiting the state’s ability to regulate fossil fuel emissions.

These policies were designed to protect public health, lower energy costs, and transition the state toward a clean energy future. I-2066 sought to undo them, prioritizing fossil fuel industry profits over Washington families.

Fossil gas, often marketed as "natural gas," poses significant risks to human health at every stage—from extraction and transportation to household use. The primary component of fossil gas is methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 84 times the heat-trapping potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Methane leaks throughout the supply chain—from fracking wells, pipelines, and even inside homes—exacerbating climate change and worsening air pollution.

The public health consequences of gas pollution are well-documented:

• Fracking and fossil gas extraction have been linked to higher rates of cancer, heart disease, birth complications, and premature death, disproportionately harming low-income communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color.

• Gas stoves and home heating systems release nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), pollutants that, if found outdoors, would violate federal air quality standards.

• Children in homes with gas stoves experience 42% higher rates of asthma symptoms compared to those in homes with electric stoves.

• Gas appliances release benzene, a known carcinogen, into indoor air, increasing risks of leukemia and other cancers.

Public health and environmental advocates celebrated the ruling as a major victory for Washington residents.

“I-2066, if fully enacted, would have severely restricted the ability of Washingtonians to make healthy choices about their home energy use and would have increased our exposure to toxic air pollution both indoors and out,” said Dr. Mark Vossler, President of Physicians for Social Responsibility. “We are pleased that this unconstitutional measure was struck down, allowing us to all breathe cleaner air.”

“Washington voters have made it clear that they support bold climate action and a transition to clean, renewable energy, and we applaud the court for throwing out this illegal initiative,” said Ben Avery, Washington Chapter Director of the Sierra Club. “This decision will ensure that our state stays the course in our critical work to protect clean air and our environment, while sending a strong message to polluting industries that using unconstitutional and misleading ballot initiatives is a waste of taxpayers' time and money.”

“With 2066 struck down, Washingtonians can get back to work towards a cleaner, healthier, more affordable energy future. This is a win for Washingtonians, not the fossil fuel lobby.” – Christina Wong, Vice President of Programs, Washington Conservation Action

“We are celebrating today’s ruling as a win for Washington families and for our state’s efforts to improve people’s lives,” said Leah Missik, Acting Washington Director with Climate Solutions. “We’ll continue working to keep energy bills affordable, especially as we prioritize cleaner air in- and outside of our homes and buildings.

Photo courtesy of Climate Solutions.

Letter: Want better Cascades passenger train service?

March 18, 2025 Submitted by Breck Lebegue MD MPH, WA Physicians for Social Responsibility

Amtrak Cascades service in Washington just received a boost of positive new energy with House passage of ESHB 1837. Senator Nobles co-sponsored a companion bill in the Senate that did not advance, so the House bill now needs to also pass the Senate for us to enjoy faster, more frequent, reliable train service between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, and Portland by 2035. The bill expects trains to be on time a minimum of 88% of the time, much better than a 50% on-time average over the past 10 years. Trains would run 14 roundtrips between Seattle and Portland, taking only 2-hours 45-minutes each way–a much more relaxed, healthy, and climate-conscious way to travel, than driving on busy freeways or flying from crowded airports.

Read More

The Health Consequences of the EPA Rollbacks Will Make Us Sick

Drs. Jill Denny, Annemarie Dooley, Breck Lebegue, Anita Peñuelas, and Mark Vossler are members of the Climate and Health Task Force at Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility

As physicians and nurses we see direct impacts of pollution on our patients.  Our patients with chronic heart disease frequently report worsening symptoms on days where the air quality index reports worse conditions. Pediatrician colleagues see this same impact in children with asthma.  People with advanced illnesses can struggle to breathe even on good days, and days with poor air quality can literally send them to the emergency department and the ICU. Instead of helping children, those with chronic illness, and those in overburdened communities, the EPA is rolling back the regulations needed to protect them.  This renders the EPA derelict in its duty as stated in its core mission to “protect human health and the environment.”  

Fifty years ago, thick smog enveloped American cities. The air pollution contributed to thousands of deaths and seriously impacted the health of Americans. The Clean Air Act through 2020 has prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths and prevented millions of hospitalizations.. Lead and small particulate levels in the air have dropped dramatically. Industrial processes are cleaner. The EPA estimates that each dollar invested in clean air yields ten dollars  in economic benefits.

(as a closing statement?) But some cities and neighborhoods still have poor air. Wildfire smoke will create new health hazards. We need EPA regulations to strengthen  rather than weaken. Clean Air  is not just  good for our health, it is also good for our economy

These rollbacks include lowering air and water quality emissions standards for power plants, reducing vehicle emissions standards, eliminating the methane reduction program, revising the 2009 endangerment finding, and loosening the HFC reduction program. We have written an explainer on these rollbacks here.

 These rollbacks will result in increased concentration of pollutants including small particulates (PM 2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), volitile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and ground level ozone.  These toxins exacerbate asthma, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, exacerbate obstructive lung disease, increase risk of cancer disease risk, and are associated with a higher risk of premature deaths, particularly in urban areas.Why does this matter? Removing these life-saving protections ignores decades of health research showing the benefits of climate and health safeguards. Rolling back EPA oversight will  worsen climate and health risks, such as extreme heat, respiratory illnesses, and increased hospitalizations. Members of Trump’s cabinet  have expressed an intention of making America healthier by tackling chronic disease. The actions of the EPA director fly in the face of that intention. It is impossible to make America healthier without also making our air and water cleaner. 

What is needed? We call on our members of Congress and leaders in our state to fight back against these rollbacks. Congress needs to strengthen the EPAs legislative mandate. Here in Washington we need to strengthen our state and local protections against exposure to toxic pollution. We call on those of you who are reading this to contact your elected officials and demand action. 

Rolling back these protections will not make us safer or healthier. It will cost lives. We must act now.

WPSR joins lawsuit to repeal I-2066

Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility has been advocating for policies that reduce our dependence on fossil gas, but the gains made over the past few years were rolled back when a ballot initiative (I-2066) narrowly passed last November. Burning fossil gas to heat our homes and cook our food is harming our health and heating our planet. That's why WPSR is joining a group of plaintiffs to challenge I-2066 in court in order to protect your health. 

Explaining This Case

A King County Superior Court judge will hear testimony this week regarding I-2066’s violation of Washington State’s constitutional “single-subject” rule for initiatives. I-2066 was rushed onto the ballot at the last minute and backed by millions of dollars from out-of-state special interests, who falsely claimed that the state was banning access to gas.

Many voters were confused by I- 2066, as shown by the more than 5% of voters who left it blank on their ballots, the highest of any of the four initiatives in November. 

Washington’s single-subject rule was designed to ensure voters have clear information on what they’re voting for and how it would impact their lives. In December, WPSR  joined with others including the city of Seattle and King County to challenge the the initiative, arguing that because I- 2066 has multiple impacts across various issue areas (from utility planning, to appliance incentives, to building codes) the initiative is in clear violation of the single-subject rule, and is an example of “log rolling” - including a wide array of different measures in a single initiative to confuse voters.

I-2066 threatens popular, bipartisan energy efficiency programs that have helped thousands of Washingtonians living on low incomes access ultra-efficient heat pumps, which heat homes while doubling as air conditioners that keep people safe during heat waves and wildfire smoke. It also endangers the state’s clean energy laws and Clean Air Act, by legally committing the state to burning a toxic fossil fuel for decades to come. 

I-2066 is a Threat to Our Health

Fossil gas, deemed “natural” by the industry, poses risks to human health all along its product cycle, during extraction, transportation, and when burning it in homes. This gas is mostly methane which has a heat-trapping potential 84 times higher than carbon dioxide over a twenty-year time frame. It also leaks into the atmosphere at the well, from pipelines, and in your home, greatly exacerbating climate change. 

The extraction of gas via fracking results in air and water pollution that impacts communities in proximity to the wells, increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, prenatal harm, mental illness, and premature death. These harms are not borne equally. Extraction operations are often located near low-income communities, indigenous communities, and communities of color. While gas has been advertised as “clean burning” its use in the home is extremely harmful to your health. Levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in the air in your kitchen, after cooking with gas, would commonly be considered illegal if found outdoors. 

Children living in homes that cook with gas have a 42% higher prevalence of asthma symptoms than children living in homes with electric cooktops. Nitrogen dioxide emitted when burning gas also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and lung diseases in adults. Recent studies have also found that gas stoves emit benzene, a potent carcinogen. 

Letter: State's Regressive Tax System Compromises Health Care by WPSR Member GLEB SYCH

To the editor — As a medical student, I have witnessed how access to health care can mean the difference between stability and crisis. Throughout my clinical rotations in South Puget Sound and time in Yakima, I’ve seen patients struggle to receive the care they need due to gaps in funding and resources. Yet, without progressive revenue solutions, lawmakers may have to gut life-saving support programs, disability services, paid medical leave and other critical health care resources.

Washington has one of the most regressive tax systems in the country. The lowest-income residents pay nearly three times more of their income in taxes than the wealthiest, while a handful of ultra-wealthy individuals and corporations avoid paying their fair share. The result? Underfunded hospitals, delayed medical care, and working families forced to choose between health and financial survival.

We have a choice: allow cuts to essential services or ensure the wealthiest pay what they owe to keep these programs funded. Lawmakers must enact progressive tax reforms to secure stable, long-term health care funding.

No one should suffer because a billionaire gets another tax break. I urge my fellow Washingtonians to contact their legislators and demand action. Our communities — and our patients — are depending on it.

GLEB SYCH

Olympia

https://www.yakimaherald.com/letter-states-regressive-tax-system-compromises-health-care/article_2e8125de-f3bc-11ef-bfbe-771ff47ef7be.html#

Eco-nomics: We’re breathing in what we put into the air

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/eco-nomics-were-breathing-in-what-we-put-into-the-air/

"However, a comprehensive review can be found in the excellent work of The Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR). In 2022 WPSR published “Climate and Health Washington 2022”: wpsr.org/climateandhealthreport. Retired Everett physician Dr. Jonathan Witte has been a leader in WPSR’s efforts for many years."

How excessive rent increases harm the physical and mental health of Washingtonians by Gleb Sych

The stability and affordability provided by rent stabilization will have cascading benefits for all of our communities. Renters would be more financially secure, with more disposable income to spend in the local economy. Long term tenancies would mean stronger connections between neighbors, kids have greater consistency with teachers and friends at school, and businesses can keep valued workers who can continue living near their jobs.

Read more at: https://www.theolympian.com/opinion/op-ed/article300955339.html#storylink=cpy

Bills in Olympia would incentivize reusable, recyclable packaging and reduce the use of plastic.

By Jonathan Witte / For The Herald

Plastic! It’s everywhere: cups, bottles, jars, bags, eating utensils, and packaging material. Oh, and don’t forget micro-fiber plastic from which clothing and other fabric is made. The list is seemingly endless.

Compounding this, nearly half of all plastic products are made to be used just once, then thrown away. But there is no “away.” Plastic ends up littering our neighborhoods, our shorelines and our parks. We are being buried in plastic.

Most of us want to do the right thing, such as not buying plastic is the first place. However, that is nearly impossible, since often there is no viable alternative. Many of us try to be diligent recyclers. We look for the triangle with the number in the middle and put that item in the recycling bin. We feel good about that; however, even if a product has a triangle that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is recyclable. The triangle indicates the type of plastic it is, not that it is always recyclable. Furthermore, there may not be an active recycling market for that type of plastic, and it ends up being tossed anyway. Many plastic products are not recyclable at all. As a result, meaningful plastic recycling is extremely difficult, and is at the very least ineffective and confusing.

In 2021, Washington generated more than 800,000 tons of plastic waste, of which only 9.3 percent was recycled. Most of the rest was either buried in a landfill, incinerated, or ended up somewhere else in the environment. The problem is, plastic sticks around in the environment for an extremely long time; essentially forever. Not only that, plastics can be toxic and hazardous to our health.

Burning waste, including plastics, whether in commercial incinerators or elsewhere, releases an array of harmful chemicals and pollutants. These include particulate matter that can cause lung and heart disease and heavy metals such as lead and mercury which cause neurologic disease. Other toxic chemicals such as dioxins and PFAS (“forever chemicals” that make consumer goods resistant to water, stain, and grease) cause cancer and other health problems. These chemicals and pollutants enter the air, water and food supply near where they are burned and get into our bodies when we breathe, drink and eat these contaminants.

In general, plastic compounds are very stable. Their chemical breakdown is extremely slow. Instead, they primarily break down physically. As a result their particle size just keeps getting smaller and smaller, eventually becoming what is referred to as “microplastics.” These particles range in size from a few micrometers to a few millimeters in diameter, which is tiny. By way of comparison, a single human red blood cell is about 8 micrometers in diameter and a human hair about 40 micrometers.

Microplastics are everywhere. They are present in the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. It is estimated that people in the U.S. take in between 74,000 to 121,000 microplastic particles each year. While the entire impact of microplastics on human health is still being studied, they have been shown to cause inflammation in the body, and have been implicated in a variety of neurologic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/comment-producers-must-step-up-to-reduce-flood-of-plastic/

Fast, Frequent, Reliable Rail: A Climate and Health Imperative

Washington’s transportation system is at a crossroads. Highway congestion is worsening, vehicle emissions are polluting our air, and the climate crisis is making extreme heat and wildfire smoke more common. These challenges directly impact public health, with increasing rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases linked to air pollution. Yet one of the most effective, energy-efficient solutions—passenger rail—remains largely underutilized.

Shifting more travel to rail is not just a climate imperative; it’s a public health necessity. Diesel pollution from cars, trucks, and short-haul flights is a major contributor to serious health conditions, disproportionately affecting communities near highways and airports. Rail, however, is far more energy-efficient and can be electrified, providing fast, reliable, and clean transportation while reducing harmful emissions. Expanding passenger rail service along the I-5 corridor would not only cut greenhouse gas emissions but also improve air quality in communities burdened by highway and airport pollution.

The legislature has a bill before them - HB 1837/SB 5667 - which represents a critical step toward making this vision a reality. By establishing clear priorities for intercity rail service improvements, Washington can begin the process of modernizing its transportation system in ways that protect both the climate and public health.

Rail: A Solution to the Climate and Public Health Crises

Transportation is Washington’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, with highway travel and short-haul flights playing a significant role. Passenger rail can reduce these emissions dramatically. Trains are at least three times more energy-efficient than cars and planes, and when electrified, they offer near-zero emissions travel. The World Health Organization and numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated the link between fossil fuel combustion and increased rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. By shifting travel away from high-emission modes to a robust rail system, we can significantly cut pollution and improve public health outcomes.

Diesel emissions contain fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), both of which contribute to asthma, heart disease, and premature death. Communities near highways and airports—disproportionately low-income communities and communities of color—bear the brunt of these health impacts. According to state health department data, childhood asthma hospitalization rates are significantly higher in areas with heavy traffic and diesel exposure. Electrifying rail infrastructure and increasing passenger rail service will help reduce these harmful emissions and protect public health.

Mobility Justice: Expanding Transportation Access for All

At least 25% of Washingtonians do not drive, including elderly residents, people with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a car. While urban areas offer transit options, regional travel remains difficult without a personal vehicle. Investing in intercity rail would provide a more accessible, affordable alternative, ensuring that more people can reach jobs, healthcare, and education without relying on cars.

Rail Investments Save Money and Lives

A common misconception is that rail infrastructure is prohibitively expensive. However, the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Long Range Plan for Amtrak Cascades found that improving rail service could ultimately generate revenue while reducing long-term transportation costs. Additionally, studies show that reducing transportation-related air pollution leads to immediate health benefits, including lower hospitalization rates and decreased mortality from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

The transition to a cleaner, more efficient transportation system is not a futuristic vision—it is an urgent necessity. Other regions have successfully implemented fast, frequent, and reliable intercity rail, and Washington has an opportunity to do the same. With federal funding available for rail expansion, now is the time to act.

As health professionals, we recognize that climate change is the greatest public health threat of our time. Investing in intercity rail isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reducing pollution, improving air quality, and creating a more just and sustainable transportation system.

We urge policymakers to support HB 1837 and SB 5667 as essential steps toward a healthier and more resilient Washington.

Clearing the Air – Why Shipping Pollution is a Public Health Issue

Washington’s bustling ports connect our state to global trade, but they also generate staggering amounts of pollution that harm public health—especially for communities living near ports, shipping lanes, and freight corridors. Maritime vessels rely on some of the dirtiest fossil fuels available, producing particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—pollutants that are well-documented drivers of respiratory disease, cardiovascular dysfunction, and premature mortality.

A growing body of medical literature links port and shipping emissions to increased emergency room visits, higher rates of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, and ischemic heart disease. A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that communities near high-traffic ports experience significantly elevated exposure to PM2.5, leading to heightened inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction—all precursors to cardiovascular disease. Additionally, exposure to SOx emissions leads to the formation of secondary fine particulates (sulfate aerosols), which penetrate deep into lung tissue, causing chronic respiratory irritation and reduced lung function, particularly in children and older adults.

The environmental justice implications of this issue are severe. In Washington, the communities surrounding ports—such as those near Seattle’s Harbor Island and Tacoma’s industrial waterfront—have some of the highest rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and preterm births in the state, according to state health department data. These residents, disproportionately from low-income and historically marginalized backgrounds, are subject to pollution levels that far exceed EPA-recommended safety thresholds.

This session, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) is advocating for two critical bills to curb the health harms of shipping pollution:

HB 1689: Cutting Ship Emissions at the Dock with Shore Power

While docked at port, large cargo and cruise ships continue burning heavy fuel oil to power their onboard systems, releasing a constant stream of diesel exhaust and ultrafine particulate matter directly into surrounding communities. HB 1689 would require ships to connect to shore power instead, allowing them to draw clean electricity rather than combusting fossil fuels.

The health benefits of shore power are profound. A 2021 study in Environmental Science & Technology found that shore power infrastructure reduces NOx emissions by up to 98% and PM2.5 emissions by 90%. NOx, a precursor to ground-level ozone, is a major contributor to asthma exacerbations and chronic lung disease, while PM2.5 is linked to increased rates of lung cancer and atherosclerosis.

Eliminating these emissions at the source is a direct investment in the health of Washington’s portside communities.

HB 1652 / SB 5519: Phasing Out "Scrubber" Pollution and Transitioning to Cleaner Fuels

Many ships continue to burn high-sulfur bunker fuel while using exhaust gas cleaning systems—commonly known as “scrubbers”—to wash pollutants out of their emissions and discharge them into the ocean. This practice allows ships to skirt cleaner fuel requirements while still producing massive amounts of airborne sulfates, heavy metals, and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

HB 1652/SB 5519 would phase out these outdated scrubber systems and require ships to transition to cleaner fuels, dramatically reducing emissions of toxic air pollutants. Research has shown that reducing emissions from shipping prevents thousands of premature deaths each year, cutting global mortality rates related to air pollution by as much as 34%. Additionally, cleaner fuels decrease ambient SOx levels, reducing the formation of acid rain, which degrades both air and water quality and has been linked to increased hospitalizations for respiratory distress.

As physicians and health professionals, we have a duty to advocate for policies that protect public health and prevent disease at the source. The evidence is clear: shipping emissions are a major and preventable contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular disease in Washington’s most vulnerable populations. By enacting HB 1689 and HB 1652/SB 5519, Washington can significantly reduce disease burden, prevent premature deaths, and move toward a healthier, cleaner future.

It’s 89 Seconds to Midnight - 2025 Doomsday Clock Announced

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists 2025 Doomsday Clock Announcement reflects a stark reality, the competing crises of a renewed nuclear arms race and unstable climate pose a grave and imminent risk to human health. 

By moving the Doomsday Clock to 89 seconds before midnight, the scientific community is telling us that time is short to correct course, too short to compete once again in a global arms race, only this time with China as well as Russia as adversaries. 

As a leading voice for sane nuclear policy in the Pacific Northwest, the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility have worked for over 40 years to move back the hand on the clock.

“As a leader in the Washington chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility, doctors like myself have long warned about the existential health risks of nuclear weapons. Every new weapon built, every line of communication broken, intensifies that risk” - Dr. Joseph Berkson 

In 2015, the Obama Administration reneged on its promise of working towards a world without nuclear weapons, and instead began the process of nuclear weapons modernization, revamping the Cold War arsenal with newer and deadlier weapons. This move signaled to the world that it was through nukes, and not negotiations that the modern era would be forged. All but one of the treaties between the US and Russia, NewStart, have been abandoned. NewStart, which limits the number of warheads actively deployed by each country to 1,500, is set to expire next year. Meanwhile, China has doubled its arsenal of 200 weapons, potentially seeking parity with the US’s arsenal of over 5,000 weapons. 

One doesn’t need to imagine an accident or nuclear war to understand the threat of nuclear weapons to civilization. In Washington, we need only to look at Hanford. A site critical to the Manhattan Project, Hanford produced ⅔ of the radioactive plutonium supplying for the current US nuclear arsenal. The resulting waste has been catastrophic. Hanford costs taxpayers over $3 billion a year, and the workers who toil to contain its waste experience abnormally high rates of cancer. Even with constant monitoring, Hanford poses a potentially disastrous risk to Eastern Washington and communities down the Columbia River. 

Rising sea levels and extreme weather events are all but guaranteed to occur in the next decade. It’s unknown how this will affect the Bangor-Trident Nuclear Submarine Base in Kitsap County, home to more deployed nuclear weapons than anywhere else in the western hemisphere. What is known is that every new weapon increases the risk. 

What we need now more than ever is a strong response from civil society to force the moral courage needed by many members of Congress to strongly oppose nuclear weapons. We need a movement similar to the Nuclear Freeze, which is why WPSR founded the Washington Against Nuclear Weapons coalition, to create an overwhelming demand to avert nuclear war.

Contact: 

Sean Arent, Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program Manager, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility 

253-363-0843 or sean@wpsr.org

Dr. Joe Berkson, Nuclear Weapons Abolition Task Force 

206-605-1837 joseph@wpsr.org

Green Anesthesia: A Prescription for Sustainability in Washington Healthcare

Healthcare contributes nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and operating rooms play an outsized role. Among the hidden culprits are inhaled anesthetics—often used for general anesthesia or sedation but potent contributors to global warming, with some gases thousands of times more impactful than carbon dioxide. Washington State's Senate Bill 5236 offers a critical opportunity to address this issue, making our healthcare system a leader in environmental stewardship.

Anesthesia is a crucial part of medical care, ensuring patients undergo surgeries and procedures safely. We cannot ignore the environmental impact of inhaled anesthetics, which can deplete the ozone layer and are potent greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming. The good news is that lower-emissions anesthetic options exist, including more efficient use of inhaled anesthetics as well as lower impact intravenous medications. These strategies are supported by the American Society of Anesthesiology and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Senate Bill 5236 proposes a statewide approach to study and implement these proven strategies, ensuring safe and sustainable anesthesia care for all Washingtonians.

As a pediatric anesthesiologist, I’ve seen firsthand how evidence-based, lower-emission practices can transform care. Over the past eight years, my hospital has reduced its anesthetic emissions tenfold without compromising safety or patient outcomes. We’ve also saved money by improving efficiency—proof that what’s good for patients and the environment is also good for healthcare systems.

The stakes are high, and time is short. In our region, climate change is already harming vulnerable populations. Each summer, wildfire smoke fills our skies, endangering children with asthma, prematurity, and other health conditions. By passing this bill, Washington can take a meaningful step to protect public health and inspire others to follow suit.

Senate Bill 5236 isn’t just about reducing emissions; it’s about leadership. By aligning healthcare with sustainability, Washington can set a precedent that ripples across states and industries. Together, we have the power to lead by example, proving that sustainable healthcare isn’t just possible—it’s essential for safeguarding the health of our patients, our communities, and our planet.

Elizabeth E Hansen, MD PhD

Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington

Pediatric Anesthesiologist, Seattle Children’s Hospital

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and are not on behalf of the author's employer.

Biography

Elizabeth Hansen is a pediatric anesthesiologist passionate about sustainability in anesthesia and efforts to green the operating room as part of her commitment to environmental justice and equity.

Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility Applauds Introduction of Recycling Reform Act

Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) joined Zero Waste Washington, Senator Liz Lovelett and Representative Liz Berry this Thursday for a press event on the Recycling Reform Act, which will help to transform the state’s recycling systems address Washington’s growing waste crisis, and improve public health.

At the press event announcing the bill, WPSR Task Force member and cardiologist Dr. Mark Vossler spoke about the urgent health implications of Washington’s recycling challenges. Vossler noted that toxic emissions from improperly managed waste and incineration contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. By improving how we manage materials, this bill will reduce pollution, protect vulnerable communities, and create a healthier future for all Washingtonians.

The Recycling Reform Act aims to reduce waste generation, improve recycling infrastructure, and ensure that producers take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products. By addressing these systemic gaps, the legislation will not only lower greenhouse gas emissions but also curb harmful pollutants that disproportionately affect overburdened communities.

HB 1150 will be heard in the House Environment and Energy Committee on January 21st.

WPSR applauds the leadership of Senator Lovelett and Representative Berry in advancing this bill, which will help to address the public health issues related to recycling. We advocate for swift passage to protect the health of Washington residents and ecosystems.

Watch the full press conference.

Learn more about the bill here.

Read more about WPSR’s Healthy Climate Agenda here.

About WPSR - Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility mobilizes health professionals and advocates to address the health threats posed by climate change, environmental injustice, and unsustainable resource use.

WPSR's 2025 Legislative Kickoff

Last week, WPSR unveiled our priority policies for 2025 at our Legislative Kickoff event! We were thrilled to see so many supporters there, people like you who are eager to address the ways that the climate crisis and economic inequity threaten the health of people and communities across Washington.  

Missed the event? Want to brush up on key policies or the legislative process? You can find the event recording here and slides here.

Release: Pipeline Anomalies Expose Safety and Transparency Failures of GTN Xpress Expansion

FOR RELEASE
Stop GTN Xpress Coalition 

Bend, Oregon 

20 December 2024

Pipeline Anomalies Expose Safety and Transparency Failures of GTN Xpress Expansion

A recent report from Natural Gas Intelligence revealed “significant anomalies” along the Gas Transmission Northwest (GTN) pipeline, forcing the company to declare a force majeure, a legal term used when a company cannot fulfill its obligations due to unexpected and uncontrollable events. This report comes on the heels of an EE News article where a former pipeline inspector raised concerns over corrosion and damages to the pipeline. 

Despite the serious implications, this incident has largely been kept quiet, with limited details shared with the public or regulatory agencies. The force majeure led to a reduction in natural gas flows at the Kingsgate hub.

Under current regulations, these incidents are reserved for annual reporting to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), meaning critical safety information may not come to light for months or even years.

"This is a glaring example of how the fossil fuel industry operates in secrecy, putting profits ahead of public safety and transparency," said Nora Harren of 350 Deschutes. "If GTN can’t maintain its existing infrastructure, how can they justify expanding it with the GTN Xpress project, which is happening in our community in Deschutes County?"

Why the Silence Matters
The GTN Xpress pipeline runs through vulnerable communities in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, where residents face the risks of pipeline leaks, explosions, and increased emissions from expanded fracked gas flows. Discreet disclosure of these anomalies endangers public safety and erodes trust in the regulatory system meant to protect communities.

"By waiting until annual reports to PHMSA, GTN is effectively keeping communities in the dark about serious safety risks," said Helen Yost of Wild Idaho Rising Tide. "This lack of transparency is unacceptable when lives and livelihoods are at stake."

“The health impacts of such failures are profound,” said James Moschella of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility. “Pipeline leaks release hazardous air pollutants that can exacerbate respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, and other chronic health problems, particularly for children and seniors. Communities deserve the most up-to-date information to protect their health and safety.”

Communities across the GTN pipeline corridor have rallied this week in powerful demonstrations against the start-up of GTN Xpress. Targeting methane perpetrators like TC Energy, Intermountain Gas, and Cascade Natural Gas, demonstrators have traveled hundreds of miles to assert their opposition directly at the doors of these corporations, highlighting the rupture risks, and environmental harms posed by this project. 

Guidance for Communities: Protecting Against Pipeline Risks
To counter the risks of pipeline failures and expansions, the Stop GTN Xpress coalition encourages communities to take action:

1. Understand Your Rights: Learn about local and state regulations, as well as how to engage with PHMSA and other regulatory bodies.

2. Pressure for Transparency: Demand immediate public disclosure of pipeline safety incidents, not delayed annual reporting.

3. Organize Locally: Collaborate with advocacy groups, faith leaders, and community members to build coalitions against harmful fossil fuel projects.

4. Advocate for Renewable Energy: Push for investments in clean energy alternatives that reduce reliance on dangerous infrastructure.

5. Engage Your Lawmakers: Call on elected officials to reject GTN Xpress and strengthen oversight of existing pipelines.

A Call to Stop GTN Xpress
"This is exactly why we’ve been fighting the GTN Xpress expansion," said Harren. "The pipeline is already a ticking time bomb. Expanding it will only increase the risks to our communities and worsen the climate crisis."

The Stop GTN Xpress coalition demands:

• Immediate reform to PHMSA’s reporting requirements to ensure timely public access to safety information.

• Rejection of the GTN Xpress expansion in favor of cleaner, safer energy solutions.

About Stop GTN Xpress Coalition
The Stop GTN Xpress coalition is a network of organizations and advocates fighting the proposed GTN Xpress pipeline expansion. The coalition is committed to safeguarding our communities and environment from the harmful impacts of fossil fuel infrastructure.

The coalition includes Rogue Climate, Columbia Riverkeeper, Wild Idaho Rising Tide (WIRT), 350 PDX, 350 Deschutes, 350 Eugene, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, Breach Collective, Extinction Rebellion Portland, Sierra Club, Beyond Toxics, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, Oregon Interfaith Power and Light (OIPL), 350 Corvallis, 350 Salem, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power and Light (WAIPL), 350 Seattle, We Black Radio, Third Act,  Waterkeeper Alliance,  Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, and the Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network (COIN).

Track WPSR’s Climate and Health work at WPSR.org/climate.

WPSR's 2025 Legislative Kickoff: Join us on January 7th!

As the 2025 legislative session approaches, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) is hosting a virtual legislative kickoff event on Tuesday, January 7th, from 6:00–7:30 PM. This engaging and informative session will prepare advocates to champion policies that address the critical intersections of climate, health, and economic inequity across Washington State. Make sure to add this event to your calendar!

This year, public health will be at the forefront of discussions in Olympia. Facing a difficult budget shortfall, lawmakers will be forced to make many difficult decisions. As health professionals, we advocate for our lawmakers to make choices that are good for our health and improve our climate and address economic inequities. We’ll be working to promote progressive taxation and housing, as well as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate adaptations to extreme heat.

Attendees will:

• Gain insight into WPSR’s legislative priorities for 2025.

• Hear from members of the Climate and Health Task Force and the Economic Inequity and Health Task Force about their key focus areas.

• Learn actionable advocacy strategies to make an impact as a health professional or ally.

Whether you’re new to legislative advocacy or a seasoned advocate, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to make your voice heard during the upcoming session.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2025

• Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

• Location: Virtual (Zoom)

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with WPSR’s community of advocates and prepare for an impactful legislative session.

Add this event to your calendar and join us in advocating for a healthier, more equitable Washington.

For more information about WPSR’s mission and priorities, visit WPSR’s Climate and Health webpage and view our Economic Inequity and Health Policy Priorities.

California governor visits Seattle for rally against ballot measure that aims to undo climate efforts

by Lisa Stiffler on October 21, 2024

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee hosted California Gov. Gavin Newsom in Seattle this past weekend in an effort to get out the vote in opposition to Initiative 2117.

The ballot measure would eliminate a program requiring Washington’s largest polluters to pay for greenhouse gas emission permits, and would forbid leaders from creating similar efforts in the future.

The cap-and-invest carbon market was created by the state’s Climate Commitment Act and has raised billions of dollars that pay for climate programs including initiatives in communities and tribes hardest hit by the impacts of climate change, state transportation infrastructure projects, and support for job creation and climate tech companies working on decarbonization. Read More

Honoring Nihon Hidankyo: A Call for Nuclear Disarmament

October 22, 2024

For Immediate Release:

By Dr. Joseph Berkson, Nuclear Weapons Abolition Program Co-Chair and Dr. Ken Lans, WPSR Board President

The honoring of a grassroots organization of atomic-bomb survivors with the Nobel Peace Prize is a profound moment that can provide inspiration for citizen action against the civilization-ending threat of nuclear weapons. For decades, the group Nihon Hidankyo—comprised of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—has dedicated itself to preserving the painful memories of that tragic history. 

Nihon Hidankyo’s recognition is a reminder of the existential risks that most of us prefer to push aside. The survivors, or hibakusha, have lived through the unimaginable and have spent their lives advocating for a simple yet monumental goal: the total abolition of nuclear weapons.

Since our founding at the height of the cold war in 1979, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) has advocated for scaling back and eventually eliminating these weapons of total destruction. As health professionals in a state with the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and Naval Base Kitsap, with its fleet of nuclear submarines, we have an intimate understanding of the health consequences that the mining, production, storage and use of nuclear weapons can impose. Knowing the unimaginable scale of death and lingering suffering even a single bomb would bring, we’re driven in our educational efforts, actions and advocacy by a desire to prevent something for which there is no cure.

Who can bring about the needed change in how we think about and handle this present peril? UN Secretary-General António Guterres framed it clearly: “It is time for world leaders to be as clear-eyed as the hibakusha, and see nuclear weapons for what they are: devices of death that offer no safety, protection, or security. The only way to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons is to eliminate them altogether.”

But leaders are more likely to act when they are pushed. The easing of Cold War tensions in the 1980s and 1990s followed large-scale public activism and demonstrations, like the massive 1982 march in New York City that included a speech by a Hiroshima survivor. 

In 2021, the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons entered into force after being ratified by 50 countries. Today, 94 countries have signed the treaty, and 73 have ratified it. However, the major nuclear powers all remain missing, which leads to asking if this is an impractical desire by nations without nuclear arsenals to influence those that possess them?

Some also argue that complete disarmament is unrealistic. But is the only alternative continuing down the current path of nuclear escalation? The U.S. is now planning to spend $1.7 trillion to upgrade its nuclear arsenal — at a time when critical domestic needs, like healthcare and education, are underfunded.

Within Congress, some call for a reevaluation of our nuclear strategy. In Newsweek, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Bellevue, has urged reconsideration of our reliance on land-based nuclear missiles. His closing words were powerful: “A world without nuclear weapons is a goal we should continue to strive for because a nuclear war cannot be won and therefore must never be fought. Until that can be achieved, we must have the moral fortitude to make decisions that get us closer to that goal, not push us to the brink of a catastrophic nuclear holocaust.”

This is not an abstract issue for experts or diplomats to debate in isolation. It’s a matter of life and death, and citizens can play an active role. We can pressure our elected representatives to rethink nuclear policies. Advocacy groups like WPSR, in collaboration with the Washington Against Nuclear Weapons (WANW) coalition, are already working to lobby members of Congress. You can join this effort—whether individually or through your own organization. Together, we can amplify the call for a safer, nuclear-free world.

In honoring Nihon Hidankyo, let’s not just reflect on the past. Let’s also take concrete steps toward a future where no one else will suffer from the horrors of nuclear warfare.