Articles written by Cooper Inveen
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Fire Victims' Ire
By Cooper Inveen WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA—It’s been almost eight months since the largest wildfire in Washington’s history scorched the Methow Valley, and criticism over the official firefighting response by the state’s Department of...
Senate Passes Transportation Bill, 11.7-Cent Gas Tax Hike
OLYMPIA - Just 18 days after its initial unveiling, Senate lawmakers have passed a $15 billion transportation package that includes an 11.7-cent increase to the state gas tax over the next three years. That package now moves to the...
Legislature Grapples with Wolf Management Issues
By Cooper Inveen, Reporter WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA - As Washington’s gray wolf population continues to grow, so do concerns of those living in the areas of the state most affected by their return. “There’s two sides to this issue, and...
Senate Proposal Includes Gas Tax Hike
OLYMPIA—The Senate’s new transportation package is being hailed for its bipartisan support, while some critics find aspects of it troubling. The proposals were revealed on Feb. 12 after 22 months of negotiations and would mostly fund various...
Governor's Cap-and-Trade Proposal Receives House Committee Support
OLYMPIA -- Gov. Jay Inslee’s proposal for regulating greenhouse gas emissions has cleared its first of several hurdles in a 6-to-5 party-line vote Feb. 10 in the Democrat-controlled House Environment Committee. House Bill 1314, the Carbon...
Governor's climate control proposal faces business opposition
OLYMPIA - After two days of hearings that drew hundreds to the state capitol, Gov. Jay Inslee’s carbon reduction proposal has the full attention of Washington lawmakers. In an effort to curb climate change while raising money for transportation...
Underage viticulture students may get sipping privileges
OLYMPIA — Lawmakers are considering legislation to allow university students between ages 18 and 21 to taste alcohol in the classroom. But don’t plan a celebratory high-five unless you’re an aspiring winemaker. “It’s imperative that...
Lawmakers Launch Unusual Proposals
OLYMPIA - Would your legislator ever consider decriminalizing heroin possession? Or maybe turning the Supreme Court justices’ elections partisan? What about allowing teenagers to taste alcohol? The 2015 legislative session is just getting started,...
Another shot at pot: Lawmakers prepare marijuana follow-up bills
OLYMPIA--Two years after Washington voters ended pot prohibition lawmakers are wading through a thicket of proposed reforms that aim to stabilize an industry struggling to get off the ground. “Right now I call it the wild, wild west,” Senate...