Environmental lobby sets good priorities

Environmentalists in this state have learned that they can have more influence if they pool their resources and unite behind a handful of top legislative priorities.

It's a strategy they've used since 2003, and as a result they can point to multiple achievements that include the all-out effort to clean up Puget Sound, legislation to phase out toxic flame retardants in certain consumer products, the promotion of biofuel technology and increased use of clean fuels and vehicles.

The Environmental Priorities Coalition is made up of 24 of the state's leading groups all rallying behind the effort to protect land, air and water resources.