This is our third of three consecutive blog posts about Jake Fey's voting record and corporate contributions. See the others here and here .
For years, environmental groups throughout Washington have been pressuring legislators to pass a bill creating a statewide recycling system that would include a producer responsibility program (PRP) to reduce overall waste. As of now, Washington’s recycling system is highly fragmented, with rules varying between districts, and overburdened by the level of waste. A strong PRP would not only place the burden of reducing waste on manufacturers—instead of leaving it up to individuals and households—but potentially save Washingtonians up to $104 million through the elimination of unnecessary packaging.
During the 2023-2024 legislative session, HB1131 and SB 5154 (known as the WRAP ACT) were introduced to modernize Washington’s recycling system. Modeled off of other states, including California, Colorado, Maine, and Oregon, the bills would have created a strong PRP with a universal recycling system, which would have reduced waste packaging, cut carbon emissions, and saved localities money.
Unfortunately, neither bill passed their respective chambers.
Despite its many benefits, the WRAP ACT has its opponents. One of the most vocal critics of the legislation is 27th Legislative District House Representative Jake Fey.
As a member of the Environmental and Energy Committee, Jake Fey often promotes himself as an environmentalist. However, he has used his position on the committee to weaken or kill the WRAP ACT, and throughout his 2024 re-election campaign has taken contributions from businesses opposing the bill. These include $500 from Waste Connections, $600 from Food Northwest, $750 from Sunshine Disposal & Recycling, $2400 (the maximum allowable amount) from the Sanitary Service Company, and another $2400 from the Washington Beverage Association.
Not surprisingly, Jake Fey was the only Democrat who voted with Republicans against the bill.
Voters in the 27th Legislative District need someone who will be a champion for the environment. There is no reason for local governments, and by extension local taxpayers, should have to pay for an inefficient and cumbersome recycling system when other states have shown that they can successfully reduce waste by shifting the cost of waste management onto producers and create a statewide recycling system.
In the end, voters need representatives who are willing to put the planet, and with it the quality of life of future generations, over the profits of businesses.
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