Washington

Speeding Driver Convicted of Killing Washington State Trooper in Tragic DUI Crash

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Everett, Wash. — A Snohomish County jury returned a guilty verdict on Tuesday against Raul Benitez-Santana for vehicular homicide and vehicular assault following a crash that resulted in the death of Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd in March 2024. On March 2, Benitez-Santana was driving at a speed of 107 mph while impaired when he collided with Gadd’s parked patrol vehicle on the shoulder of southbound Interstate 5 near Marysville. The impact left Trooper Gadd, 27, dead at the scene. A sentencing hearing is set for July 2. The incident occurred just before 3 … Read more

Washington and Maryland Pioneer Extended Producer Responsibility Laws, Catalyzing a New Wave in Sustainable Packaging Legislation

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Washington and Maryland have recently taken significant strides towards fostering a circular economy by implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws aimed at promoting sustainable packaging. These new regulations shift the onus of recycling costs from local governments to the companies that manufacture packaging, thus aligning financial incentives with environmental accountability. On May 17, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5284, which represents a comprehensive approach to EPR for packaging and paper products. Meanwhile, in Maryland, Senate Bill 901 was enacted on May 13. These legislative changes represent a substantial shift in how recycling is … Read more

Washington State Boosts Fines for Littering While Postponing Plastic Bag Regulations

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OLYMPIA, Wash. — A new law in Washington state aims to curb littering by significantly increasing penalties, while also postponing the implementation of regulations surrounding plastic bags. The legislative changes were signed by Governor Jay Inslee and are set to take effect soon. Under the new statute, fines for littering will surge, with first-time offenders facing penalties of up to $1,250. Repeat violators could see their fines swell to as much as $5,000, emphasizing the state’s commitment to addressing litter issues and promoting a cleaner environment. The updated law not only boosts penalties but also … Read more

Washington Takes Bold Step in Recycling Revolution with New EPR Law for Packaging

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Olympia, Wash. — Washington has become the seventh state in the nation to implement a packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, marking a significant change in recycling policies. Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5284 into law on Saturday, which he described as the “biggest overhaul of our recycling system in decades.” The new legislation is set to enhance recycling efforts across the state in alignment with similar programs established in California and Oregon. The recently passed Recycling Reform Act introduces an EPR framework for various types of paper and packaging materials, establishing a statewide … Read more