Overview: During the 2026 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding the Environment and Energy. Essential Questions: House & Senate Environment & Energy Committees The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee considers issues relating to:
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Overview: During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding the Environment and Energy.. Essential Questions: The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee considers issues relating to:
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House Page, Vanessa Brooke, asks Senator Sharon Shewmake (D) from the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee and Representative Sam Ley (R) from the House Environment and Energy Committee about the feasibility of nuclear energy. Both legislators agreed about the need for more electricity in our state, due to the increase in demand. Watch to see where they disagree and on what ideas they agree.
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Senate page, Sapphire Ordóñez, jumps into the interesting discussion about the use of Climate Commitment Act funds in this year where Washington State is experiencing a budget deficit. Senator Shewmake of the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee explains why she believes that the funds should remain focused on climate related policies. Representative Sam Ley of the House Environment and Energy Committee is more skeptical of the benefits of the Climate Commitment Act as a whole.
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House page, Arnav Goswami, wants to understand how legislators are dealing with the impacts of data centers on the environment and the economy. Senator Shewmake (D), Chair of the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee and Representative John Ley (R), of the House Environment and Energy Committee share their ideas about how Washington can capitalize on the benefits of data centers while also dealing with the challenges of energy consumption.
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Senate Page, Hannah Kim, asks Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee Chair: Sharon Shewmake, (D) 42nd District, and Ranking Committee Member, Matt Boehnke (R) 8th District, “… House Bill 1550 sets out to improve the end of life management of electric vehicle batteries. As someone who comes from a family that uses electric vehicles, like millions of others, I am interested in what the state legislature is doing about this issue. If this bill makes it to the senate floor, would you support this legislation or are there amendments that you would suggest to improve it? The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee considers issues relating to:
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Senate Page, Ryan Benham, asks Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee Chair: Sharon Shewmake, (D) 42nd District, and Ranking Committee Member, Matt Boehnke (R) 8th District, the question: “With the rise in energy demands, polls show increasing public support for nuclear energy but many voters have concerns about safety and waste disposal. How do you balance these concerns with the need for clean and reliable energy?” The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee considers issues relating to:
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House Page, Jana Berahman, asks Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee Chair: Sharon Shewmake, (D) 42nd District, and Ranking Committee Member, Matt Boehnke (R) 8th District, about how the Climate Commitment Act will manage emission caps over time, in a fiscally responsible way. The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee considers issues relating to:
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Overview: During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this 20 minute lesson plan, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding the environment and energy. Essential Questions: House Environment & Energy Committee (2025) Overview: The House Environment & Energy Committee considers issues relating to air quality; aquatic lands; oil spill prevention; solid waste; hazardous waste; toxics; climate change; energy; Puget Sound; the State Environmental Policy Act and the Shoreline Management Act; state parks; and outdoor recreation.
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Senate Page, Ella Garcelon asks House Environment & Energy Committee Vice Chair, Victoria Hunt (D), and Ranking Member, Mary Dye (R), about the impacts of Green Energy Incentives. The House Environment & Energy Committee considers issues relating to air quality; aquatic lands; oil spill prevention; solid waste; hazardous waste; toxics; climate change; energy; Puget Sound; the State Environmental Policy Act and the Shoreline Management Act; state parks; and outdoor recreation. Overview: During the 2025 session, Legislative Pages (students ages 14-16) had the opportunity to interview legislators from both the Majority party and the Minority party about issues of interest. In this lesson, students will learn about where the Majority Party, currently the Democrats, and the Minority Party, currently the Republicans, stand on three important policies regarding the environment and energy. Essential Questions:
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