Student Lobbying: Spokane Waste to Energy and Washington’s Climate Commitment
Dylan Richardson
BIO: I am a Whitworth senior originally from sunny Santa Barbara, California. My love for the natural world and curiosity toward interdisciplinary study drew me to majors in political science and environmental studies, with minors in philosophy, U.S. cultural studies, and law & society. While studying under the Honors Scholarship, my academic work was recognized with the George F. Whitworth Honors Program Outstanding Research Award in social sciences. I am the first student to ever represent Whitworth at two UNFCCC COP meetings, first to COP28 Dubai and later to COP29 Baku.
MAJORS: Political Science, Environmental Studies
Minors: Philosophy, U.S. Cultural Studies, Law & Justice
Beyond academic work, I competed for Whitworth’s NCAA cross country and track & field teams, where I was honored to be placed on the 2022 NWC All Sportsmanship Team. I also argued on Whitworth’s Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team, where I contributed toward a national third place finish in 2024. My professional journey thus far has called me to work in environmental policy, immigration law, homeless intervention court, and food security nonprofit. My vocation is to align human and ecological flourishing – along each branch of this journey, I hope to use my career in service of those at the periphery of our society. Upon graduation, I will serve in several short-term roles, each in a different arena of conservation education while applying for law school.
Project Overview: As one of the first states to implement a carbon tax and commit to a total phaseout of greenhouse gas emitting electricity generation, Washington State is a proven leader in subnational climate policy. Our climate policy framework is largely built on two significant bills: the 2019 Clean Energy Transition Act, which commits the state to greenhouse gas emission-free electricity generation, and the Climate Commitment Act, which implements a carbon tax and emissions trading scheme. While the CCA and CETA are essential steps, any policy framework inevitably leaves out certain local concerns. My research explores one way that these policies leave out the Spokane area, particularly in the context of our unique geologic history. The Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer is particularly vulnerable to contaminated runoff. In order to avoid leachate, the liquid waste resulting from traditional landfilling, Spokane disposes of municipal solid waste using our Waste to Energy Facility. Under the current Washington state climate policy framework, that facility is rapidly facing severe economic strain. Using some of the first and most progressive carbon tax schemes in the world as a model, I suggest revision to CCA and CETA to accommodate the Spokane Waste to Energy Facility – and address a significant threat to our valuable water resources.
