HomeMy WebLinkAbout121725 - The Evergreen_ December 2025ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Chapter Newsletter for Sierra Club Washington State
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Dear John,
What will we remember about December 2025 in Washington?
For me, it will be the sound of the Twisp River raging just behind my backyard—paired with news photos of community members laying sandbags in downtown Mount Vernon. Some moments have
been filled with climate grief. Others have left me more resolved than ever to keep working for an environment that feels increasingly fragile.
Through the hard work—and the occasional heartache—I’m endlessly grateful for our members, and especially our volunteer leaders, who make Sierra Club a powerful voice of sanity in truly
insane times. Because of you, we continue to show up, push forward, and fight for solutions that meet the scale of the moment.
I hope you enjoy this update on legislative opportunities <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93555d5c000468f68d1ba706a0a98685a6e8f3f583e85b38eb8dfed0f51f5dd807b0eb04d66d5ce0b026970f
3b56bdd76428> in the new year, our work to get data centers right <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93557e69586ca023b096515cdb1b284ce4f57e0aebf69d629b3ed78f2bbc361af3bb7c863f2fd19
e4bd780bf542f7c980d9b> in Washington, and the many ways our movement is preparing for the challenges ahead as you read the December edition of the Evergreen, our final newsletter before
our annual hiatus for legislative session.
Best to you and your loved ones over the holidays,
Ben Avery
Chapter Director
P.S. If you’d like to support flood victims in Washington, one good option is the Skagit Valley Community Foundation’s relief fund <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93554ddf046739d
a6c33fdb05e8bb52493c16c3e19e008daed01f4507ac1c8593c65fd83154df41c418a0af4567a83723467> .
Read the Evergreen on our website <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc935594b0c17353613b74d12930230bbfd5443aa8213daf7968d2ec70ecf8e0a3a57bda4d47313b7c1ceb2a42aba9f907ad7f>
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The Download on Data Centers: Impacts on Electricity Demand and Local Water Use
by Wes Stewart, Clean Transportation for All Organizer, Sierra Club Washington State
Everyone is talking about them: data centers. What was once a niche buzzword is now a conversation you hear at professional gatherings, debated on social media, and ruminated over at
the family holiday. From online privacy and surveillance concerns, impacts on childhood development, price gouging, and the erosion of civil liberties, artificial intelligence (AI)
touches on any issue one could hold as preeminent. But data centers aren’t just for AI. Cryptocurrency, email, even this articles like this are all stored in a data center somewhere.
Our modern world is supported by this invisible cloud infrastructure. Except it’s not invisible. Data centers are industrial infrastructure, and they’re now a material driver of U.S.
electricity demand and local water use.
You’ve likely read an article or two (or if you’re like me, dozens) about data centers. As we educate ourselves and our community on the growing concerns, I’ll outline the national environment
implications, take a few case studies to assess the risk to Washingtonians, and provide you with the knowledge and tools to engage with your state legislator during the 2026 session,
and moving forward.
Read the full article and learn how you can engage on this issue. <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc9355dac4b7757ee241da7289d89c10ba517d414561512f2d3c1ff106ecf2c32357c48a48801023ab
dad6c8274365900fe194>
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Two Quick Actions to Help Defend Our Environmental Legacy
by Lia Brewster, NW Conservation Campaign Strategist, Sierra Club
Editors note: Read the article below and take quick action to protect the Clean Water Act <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93559c98763a079912012397f022910ff06bbffa06c7c8f26f333307
2a6a669b8d4f062fdb07e5ae85b79df236f9e9fd77d3> (deadline Jan 5) and the Endangered Species Act <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93550c71f3afaefe7d2c8346e3df701a855ed70f09dac83e217
238af4d5d9acb66078ada21d255c767c6383204d922e1acb7> (deadline Dec 22).
I think we’ve been talking a lot about defending our bedrock environmental laws lately, and unfortunately they continue to need our help. Right now we have two time-sensitive action
alerts around regulations that dictate how the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Clean Water Act are enforced, and I thought it would be a good chance to revisit the history of these
landmark laws, and ask you to take action on both.
Read the full article and take action now! <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc9355ded4079b78006b3af936d981aae38d4cab0bbd5617a5d8dcbc64e5b7d68cf2294417cb6acf63f2a3b8fe246d1c216f89>
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Join Sierra Club WA Leaders at Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day
Thursday, January 22nd. Washington State Capitol, Olympia, WA.
Start 2026 with a solid showing of Sierra Club support for immigrant justice by joining the Chapter's Equity and Justice Committee at Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network's (WAISN)
Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day, Thursday, January 22nd at the Capitol in Olympia. Register individually at the link below, or email Diane Shisk <mailto:dshisk@me.com?subject=SC%20%40%20WA%20Immi
grant%20%26%20Refugee%20Advocacy%20Day> to register as part of the Sierra Club group.
Sierra Club WA became an organizational member of WAISN in early 2025, with the ExCom issuing the following statement: "Sierra Club Washington State stands in solidarity with the Washington
immigrant rights community against the Trump anti-immigrant and anti-environment agenda. We recognize the connections between climate disruption and migration and commit to fight alongside
the immigrant community against mass detention and deportation of immigrants.”
The Equity and Justice Committee
(Diane Shisk, Yonit Yagev, Carter McBride, Rich Voget)
Register here! <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93550ea1a6f51d872820ee1efc432511a4b8d0129039be4f61cccbdeb210fa096f87e21ea34e8e8640cd77bbe6ed811d34a9>
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Read Our 2026 Legislative Agenda
by Emilio Garza, Communications Associate, Sierra Club Washington State
With the Washington State legislative session is less than one month away, last week we released our 2026 legislative agenda to let you know what to expect in Olympia in the new year.
Unfortunately, the state is facing another multibillion-dollar budget deficit, caused primarily by Trump Administration cuts to health and human services, and a tax revenue shortfall.
Right now, there is a very real possibility that revenue dedicated to natural resources and clean energy from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) will be reallocated towards programs that
are on the chopping block, such as health and human services.
That being said, you can help our state secure crucial wins for public lands, clean energy, and protections for vulnerable species like salmon. Read our full legislative agenda at the
link below and scroll to the bottom to sign-up for our weekly legislative updates so you can keep up to date on the most effective ways to take action throughout the legislative session.
Check out our 2026 legislative agenda and sign up for updates! <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93554f1f7333dc13a5ebeeab4872486bef0d5985dbcf55f88b170a8a2985a8410eb3aacfca3730f3c21
88157db73169766eb>
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Ways to Give: Support Environmental Action in Washington State
There are numerous ways to power our environmental work across Washington state this giving season. Here are the best ways to invest in our work:
* Monthly Giving (501c4). This is our most impactful giving stream—predictable, flexible 501c4 dollars that allow us to take on the most important fights when they matter most. Set
up a monthly gift here. <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc935545f55998bb56f922817794e8003bfa748ca85fbdf84b79aa5a4140b78d1e439ced487aefe6dc2d435a6ecd05b1dd2208>
* Tax-Deductible Giving (501c3). If you prefer a tax-deductible option, you can give through our 501c3 fund. Make a tax-deductible gift here. <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc935
5d2831611129ad936df88505d5577f18533c10806d8061010a19b185a4e3dd4f839f07857fb565cfccd5df206f3aa5aac>
* IRA Giving & Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). For those over 70 (and especially over 72), making a gift directly from your IRA can be a tax-efficient way to support the
our work. It may reduce your taxable income while advancing our mission. Find more information on QCDs here. <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc9355e89149c946f7b627c717ce37c020f949
9c6169de0459c8f3de1d4aa268e4bbe3c85d772727be6b5abbe12980e099ea02>
* Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Giving. If you give through a DAF, it’s simple—just contact your financial institution and request a contribution to the Sierra Club Foundation with a note
specifying that the gift should benefit the Washington State Chapter. Find instructions for giving through a DAF here. <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc9355bd07b78bbf9a9f74b8e525
56cadc0e820b94d19cdd929c737b637138ef3470add67fdacfcea3a126e63d4279c3218275>
* One-Time 501c4 Gift. This remains our most common form of support and helps fuel the full breadth of our advocacy work. These flexible dollars allow us to respond quickly and effectively.
Give a one-time 501c4 gift here. <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93558176258c74ed889136db1113091a7da599b6dc1ed68a19dfc863ae6a19218fc3ae347321ec4c995446bce95a485f2d3e>
* Legacy Giving. Not technically a year-end vehicle, but too important not to mention. Gifts through wills and estate plans create profound, lasting impact for future generations. Click
here for more information on legacy support. <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93550a37794a6c5293aed7e011620d3f2f670d28bd803ad88c77f22c45ecf80b07c265b946f38a5fefa7b84c73930ae8a945
>
100% of your giving stays in Washington state for our local and statewide priorities.
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Get Ready to Take Action for Salmon Early in the New Year
By Bill Arthur, Executive Committee, Sierra Club Washington State
The new year will get off to a quick start with opportunities to protect salmon, steelhead, and support our treaties with Tribal Nations. As reported in the November edition <https://click.emails.sie
rraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc9355976baab71c3552b369ccbb38a8bdf2b5858d2b9f384ad885d2ace6781299cdb6736d03a7059e2fa4ed22243b4eeea1cd> of the Evergreen the Northwest Power and Conservation
Council is hard at work on a set of amendments to update the Fish and Wildlife Program <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93558b50068ab26df17cd539df667cdfed0c3ca0ed50f3129491a23e0e
83c459199bf1eb543f21a27f3a390be03a5a13f4ed> . The latest word is that the Council will approve a draft of the Fish and Wildlife Program update at their December 16th meeting with a
public comment period that will run to near the end of February 2026.
Sierra Club and our allies will be evaluating the draft program update as soon as it is public. Look for an action alert early in the new year and please take the time to respond and
send comments to the Council. This will be an important opportunity to make progress for our beleaguered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia Basin. We anticipate there will be public
meetings/hearings in each of the four Northwest states (Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington). We will be encouraging members to turn out for these sessions and speak up for salmon.
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Don't Forget to Vote in the Chapter's 2026 Executive Committee Election!
by Mark Leed, Nominations Committee Member, Sierra Club Washington State
The Washington State Chapter of the Sierra Club is governed by an Executive Committee (ExCom) made up of volunteer leaders from across the state. They provide strategic direction and
organizational support. The 2026 ExCom election is now live and accepting ballots from members <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93552d61fac8fcf4c767f33f78970c902c4e9831539cff239e
6897e8bd81d0307c20db6c713fd7b49f80270a6e4d02300ae6> , with six individuals nominated for four open positions. If you're a member, we need your voice and your VOTE by Monday, January
5th. Sierra Club, the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots environmental organization, is proudly democratic and member-driven.
To vote, you'll need your Member ID number. If you don't know your Member ID number, it can be found online by accessing Sierra Club MyAccount <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc935
5a159c7fb99494333987d705bc01d0404eeec9bb6d924e340408f20f7a7fde3bb992c13ce6c1895f2816ce1940973eab5> or by contacting Member Care at member.care@sierraclub.org or (415) 557-1100. Your
membership number is required so it can be verified by the Elections Committee. If you are a member and did not receive a ballot, please contact Mark Leed, Nominations Committee Member,
via email. <mailto:markleed02@gmail.com?subject=Missing%20ExCom%20Ballot>
Submit your ExCom ballot today! <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93557887ceb6d97b33a72480ec51c4fbff6171e6ecf535e877071f9f78583986480f57868082b3603073d4ee8edc5086c3f1>
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Mt Baker Group Leaders Meeting with a Senator Cantwell Staffer.
Photo by Rick Eggerth.
✨ Local Group Highlight: Mt Baker Group Delivers Public Lands Petitions to Senator Murray's and Senator Cantwell's Offices.
From Nick Engelfried, Mt Baker Group NEWS. On Thursday, November 20, four members of the Mount Baker Group's Leadership Team traveled to Everett for meetings with the offices of U.S.
Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and to deliver each office a large stack of petitions with over 800 signatures asking them to be environmental and public lands champions in
the face of attacks from the Trump administration (pictured above). Learn more and get involved with the Mt Baker Group (Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan Counties) here <https://click.emails.sierraclub
.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc9355d6d9a8abab3f24dc85370f6a449a1076b1cb69c27d5a13fdefc13aeb0080db6641e5c5485a2cf2451dcf7ad8446248fb> .
👋 Volunteer Needed: Political Team Compliance Officer
Our chapter runs an electoral program focused on electing pro-environment candidates at the state and local level. We need a volunteer advisor who understands, or is willing to learn,
both state election law and Sierra Club Compliance Guidelines to advise us periodically on the compliance of our plans with the rules (note: legal background not required). This is
an ongoing commitment, averaging 3 to 4 hours of work per month. Comfort with Google Docs and online communication is important for success. If you are interested in helping, please
email Ken Gersten. <mailto:kgersten.sc@gmail.com?subject=Political%20Team%20Compliance%20Officer>
📰 Recommended Reading: Can the War on Coal Still be Won?
Chapter Director Ben Avery recommends this piece from Canary Media (tagline: "clean energy journalism for a cooler tomorrow") writer Michael Grunwald. It explores the legacy of Sierra
Club's Beyond Coal campaign and how the Trump administration and AI are "delaying — but not stopping — the fuel’s decline". Read the full article here. <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5
289cadc93556c7208147fdf7671dc5b98854b4c5c24fd6ce585070cea5df14203853883f12162600edc8156d6666d52dcd1b7ade9c9>
<https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc93550b70d3d7bb490e12366ecb781c6ece64d76b671c012ee62623172f1d73540bdd9b735b6acac4c0df3e3fa3933420db96>
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Support the Chapter! <https://click.emails.sierraclub.org/?qs=4b8f5289cadc9355f18f9908ee948d2e1ba428b0768ccc156dc36439af01a41ce2ce6215e68a5d417253487dbd2ac6c2e9c6921e554d2f8c2d55b183061f8e65>
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