Located at the southern end of Puget Sound, Olympia, Washington, has a long-standing reputation as a hub of environmental activism. From grassroots protests to legislative initiatives, the city has a rich history of championing environmental causes. In this article, we’ll explore the roots of Olympia’s environmental movement, tracing its origins to the 1960s and 1970s.
The birth of the environmental movement in Olympia can be traced back to a handful of early activists, including Frank Seaver and Richard Rudometkin. These two men, along with a few others, founded the Olympia Environmental Coalition in 1969. This group quickly became a hub for environmental activism in the area, and played a key role in organizing the first Earth Day celebration in Olympia the following year.
The first Earth Day celebration in Olympia was a massive success, drawing thousands of attendees and featuring speeches from a number of prominent environmental advocates. The event was covered extensively in local media, helping to raise awareness about environmental issues and cementing Olympia’s reputation as a city committed to sustainability.
Following the success of the first Earth Day celebration, environmental activism in Olympia continued to gain momentum. In 1971, the Olympia Environmental Coalition successfully lobbied the city council to pass a resolution recognizing the importance of protecting the environment. This was followed in 1972 by the establishment of the Washington State Department of Ecology, which was tasked with protecting the state’s environment and managing natural resources.
Throughout the 1970s, environmental activism in Olympia continued to grow, fueled by a series of high-profile environmental disasters. In 1975, a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed just outside of Olympia, spilling toxic waste into a nearby creek. The incident sparked outrage among local residents, and led to increased calls for stricter regulations on hazardous materials transportation.
In the late 1970s, Olympia became a center for activism against the construction of the WPPSS nuclear power plant in nearby Satsop. The project, which was beset by cost overruns and construction delays, was ultimately abandoned after the bonds issued to finance it were declared invalid.
As the 1980s dawned, environmental activism in Olympia began to shift away from direct action protests and towards legislative advocacy. In 1983, the city established its first-ever Environmental Advisory Committee, which was tasked with advising the city council on environmental issues. The committee remains active to this day, and has played a key role in shaping the city’s environmental policies.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Olympia continued to be a center for environmental activism, with a particular focus on sustainable development and conservation efforts. In 2007, the city adopted a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, and has since made significant progress in meeting its sustainability goals.
Today, Olympia remains a leader in environmental advocacy, with a wide range of organizations and initiatives dedicated to protecting the city’s natural resources. From grassroots activism to legislative advocacy, the city’s environmental movement continues to be an important force for change in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
In conclusion, the roots of Olympia’s environmental movement can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, when a small group of activists came together to form the Olympia Environmental Coalition. Since then, the city has been at the forefront of environmental activism, with a long history of successful grassroots protests and legislative initiatives. Today, Olympia remains committed to protecting its natural resources and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.
