![\"Olycap\"](\"http:\/\/69.89.31.181\/~earthmi2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Olycap.jpg\")
<\/a>The 2014 legislative session has begun, and we at Earth Ministry\/ Washington Interfaith Power & Light are making sure the faith community has a voice in the important environmental issues our state is dealing with this session. Read on to learn more about our priorities and, most importantly, how you can join us to lend your voice, including coming with us to Olympia!<\/p>\nOur 2014 Legislative Priorities:<\/strong><\/span> Closing the Big Oil Tax Loophole<\/strong>: Oil companies like BP and Shell should be paying to clean up their pollution, not profiting from state tax loophole breaks. But these and other oil companies are taking advantage of a tax loophole that was never meant for them. The Legislature created this \u201caccidental loophole\u201d in 1949, before any oil refineries operated here. Now, Big Oil profits from the system and avoids paying $41 million of their fair share of taxes.<\/p>\n Oil Transportation Safety Act<\/strong>: Throughout the nation, we are hearing about fires and accidents caused by oil transport. This is at the same time that Washington faces new proposals to move more oil through our state – increasing our risk of oil spills and accidents. It is more urgent than ever to protect the health of our waterways and improve safety in communities across Washington. The Environmental Priorities Coalition believes you deserve to know how much and what kind of oil is moving through our state, as well as have improved safety standards to protect our waterways and our coasts.<\/p>\n Lend your voice!<\/span><\/strong> Other opportunities:<\/strong> Interfaith Advocacy Day
\nOur main focus this session is The Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (ESHB 1294)<\/strong>, which phases out toxic flame retardants in children\u2019s products and home furniture. The faith community is joining with the Washington Toxics Coalition, healthcare workers, firefighters, and many others to address this serious public health issue. For more details on the bill, please\u00a0click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nCapitol Drop-in Days:<\/strong>
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 February 5, 2014, 10am – 2pm at the Capitol
\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 February 14, 2014, 10am – 2pm at the Capitol
\nPlease contact us at 206.632.2426 or email Jessie@earthministry.org<\/a> for more information and to RSVP.<\/p>\n
\nEnvironmental Priorities Coalition Phone Banking in Seattle<\/strong>
\nJanuary 22, 2014, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
\n<\/strong>Join Earth Ministry\/WAIPL in phone banking for the 2014 Environmental Priorities Coalition priorities, including Closing the Big Oil Tax Loophole and the Oil Transportation Safety Act. Beer and pizza will be provided. Please contact us at 206.632.2426 or email Karin@earthministry.org<\/a> for more information and to RSVP.<\/p>\n
\nJanuary 30, 2014, 9:00am – 3:00pm
\n<\/strong>United Churches of Olympia, 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501<\/p>\n