In a historic vote that could reshape environmental protection, Everett, Washington became the first city in the state to grant legally enforceable rights to a natural ecosystem. Everett Initiative 24-03, which gives the Snohomish River Watershed legal standing in court, passed this November with a decisive 57% of the vote despite facing significant opposition.
This groundbreaking decision marks a significant moment in environmental law, introducing the “rights of nature” legal principle in a community-oriented approach. While other cities in Washington have passed symbolic, non-binding proclamations supporting this principle, Everett is the first to embed it into law, setting a powerful precedent for future environmental advocacy efforts.
Against the Odds
Passing Initiative 24-03 was no small feat for the “Standing for the Snoho” campaign. Developers, fearing restrictions on their activities, became the primary opposition and significantly outspent the grassroots effort.
Despite the financial imbalance, the community’s support shone through, demonstrating a broader discontent with developers’ influence over local environmental policies, and a growing public appetite for stronger, community-driven environmental protections.
Simplifying a Complex Idea
While the concept of ecosystems having rights independent of human interests is compelling, the idea of nature having legal rights similar to personhood can seem abstract, or even radical, to many voters. Instead, the campaign took a pragmatic approach that resonated with voters by emphasizing the practical impact of the law: empowering locals to legally challenge those who harm their watershed.
The approach proved effective during signature collection, where explaining the initiative as a means to directly protect the river and its watershed garnered far more interest than discussing theoretical debates about nature’s rights.
This focus on local, actionable change proved to be a winning strategy. People connected with the tangible impact—the ability to take legal action to safeguard their local ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: Olympia’s Opportunity
Following Everett’s success, Olympia is eager to be the next potential city for a similar initiative. The Olympia community has witnessed firsthand how the lack of legal standing can devastate local ecosystems, with Moxlie Creek serving as a prime example of environmental vulnerability due to inadequate protections. (Learn more about the movement to daylight Moxlie Creek, and read Harry Branch’s previous WIP article which underscores the necessity of legal standing to effectively safeguard natural resources.)
However, Olympia’s campaign will likely require greater volunteer numbers and financial support to secure a place on the ballot. Organizers recognize the challenges ahead but see Everett’s win as proof that the movement is gaining momentum.
Building a Stronger Foundation
To support these endeavors, the organizations behind the campaign have undergone a strategic transformation. The state political committee formed to run the campaign is being dissolved and replaced by two focused entities:
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Standing for Washington (formerly Rights of Nature Initiative), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on educating the public and supporting communities in using direct democracy for environmental protection. This organization will also help communities who have passed an initiative understand how to use this new legal tool to protect their local ecosystem.
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Standing for Washington Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit designed to advocate for legislation and coordinate local ballot measures.
This dual approach ensures the movement can educate the public while maintaining the capacity to drive legislative and electoral campaigns.
Join the Movement
Everett’s passage of Initiative 24-03 is not just a local success, but a call to action for other communities. By giving legal standing to the Snohomish River Watershed, residents have empowered themselves to defend their environment in court, setting an example for cities like Olympia.
While the concept of nature’s rights may seem radical, Everett’s pragmatic campaign demonstrated that when framed as a practical tool for community empowerment, people are eager to listen—and vote.
As this movement grows, you can get involved. Learn more, volunteer, or donate at StandingforWashington.org. Together, we can create a future where nature has a voice—and the legal tools to protect it.
Rachel Kurtz-McAlaine is the Executive Director of Standing for Washington Action Fund
That is so awesome! Thanks for reporting it! Carrie