Op-Ed: Stand Up for Snohomish River by Seeking Legal Rights

by Rachel KurtzEcosystem Watch Washington, US News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

The editorial “Stand Up for Snohomish River by Seeking Legal Rights” highlights the urgent need to grant legal standing to the Snohomish River Watershed. This initiative, driven by Standing for Washington‘s “Standing for the Snoho” campaign in Everett, aims to counteract the recent weakening of federal environmental protections following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to …

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A Legal Voice for Nature: Everett’s Groundbreaking Initiative for the Snohomish River Watershed

by Rachel KurtzUS News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In a bold move to protect the environment, the political action committee Standing for Washington has launched a signature-gathering campaign for a local rights of nature initiative. This initiative seeks to grant legal standing to the Snohomish River watershed, allowing it to be defended in court if harmed or damaged.

Empowering Nature: The Deschutes Watershed Rights Initiative

by Rachel KurtzUS News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In a groundbreaking move, the political action committee Standing for Washington has launched a citizen-led initiative to recognize legal rights to the Deschutes Watershed. This initiative, which began gathering signatures in April 2024, aims to establish a set of rights for the watershed within the jurisdictions of Olympia and Tumwater.

Using ‘rights of nature’ to correct environmental wrongs

by Abi LudwigRONI in the News, US News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Tired of constantly battling to protect nature, Abi Ludwig, cofounder of the Olympia group Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI) said they’re “going on the offense.” “We’re at that point where nature has to fight back and we’re ready to take that on from the community level,” said Rachel Kurtz, president and cofounder of RONI. Kurtz and Ludwig are part of a growing movement to establish rights for nature to exist and thrive.

Empowering Nature's Voice

Environmental group pushing for ‘Rights of Nature’ law for Deschutes River

by Abi LudwigRONI in the News, US News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

A group of environmentalists is working to enact “Rights of Nature” laws for Washington rivers across the state. Olympia-based Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI) Coalition is pushing for an ordinance that recognizes the rights of the Deschutes River. RONI is in its early stages and started its outreach last week when it pitched its vision to the Local Good Governance Coalition.  They also held a webinar this week and talked to interested residents about the concept of the rights of nature.