Washington’s leading political voice for the environment, Washington Conservation Action, has named state Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D, 42nd District, Bellingham) as the 2026 Legislator of the Year.
Sen. Shewmake has been a dedicated climate and environmental champion long before she first ran for office in 2019. Her expertise as an economist makes her an insightful and effective leader in shaping and passing landmark climate laws and environmental policies. Senator Shewmake has also played a leadership role in supporting and protecting the Climate Commitment Act, the state’s landmark law to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and support communities.
“Making sure our natural environment is healthy for current and future generations is the life work of Sen. Shewmake,” said Alyssa Macy, CEO of Washington Conservation Action. “Her dedication and expertise will be missed in the legislature. Now is the perfect time to honor and celebrate her remarkable work tackling major challenges like climate change, toxic pollution, and environmental justice.”
For the last two years, Sen. Shewmake has served as the chair of the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee. As chair, she has overseen major environmental legislation on climate change, clean energy, recycling, water pollution, and environmental justice.
“It’s been an honor as the chair of the Senate Environment Committee to be able to successfully fight for enhancing and protecting our environment,” Sen. Shewmake noted. “Tackling the mounting climate crisis is an essential part of that work. Our job was to protect the Climate Commitment Act from attack from ideological zealots and polluters who tried to weaken the act, and we did just that, both at the polls and in Olympia. I am proud of that accomplishment,” Sen. Shewmake added.
Specific issues Sen. Shewmake worked on during this legislative cycle include:
- Data Center Regulation: Sen. Shewmake was the prime sponsor of SB 6171 (Senate version of HB 2515) to regulate the rapid growth of data centers by protecting ratepayers from unfairly bearing energy costs; requiring reporting on water use, air and water pollution, and energy use to improve transparency; and providing protections during an energy emergency. This effort faced significant industry opposition. Sen. Shewmake played an essential role in advancing the legislation far in the process this year.
- Recycling Reform Act: As chair of the Senate Policy committee, Senator Shewmake helped shepherd and support strong policy out of the Senate and through final passage of this bill that mandates statewide curb recycling.
- Tribal Nations and Energy Permitting: Sen. Shewmake was the prime sponsor of SB 6010 (Senate version of HB 2496). This bill protects the confidentiality of consultation conversations with Tribes at the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council. The rights of Tribal Nations must be protected in energy permitting decisions. This bill improves the process to support the sovereignty of Tribes and to improve energy permitting decisions. The bill that passed was led by Rep. Chris Stearns (D, 47th District, Pos. 2, Auburn) and Sen. Shewmake worked diligently to ensure its final passage.
- Passing and Defending Good Policy: As the Policy Committee Chair, Sen. Shewmake played a vital role in defending environmental laws like the Climate Commitment Act and ensuring that strong policy moves forward. Legislation on sewage spills, refrigerants, the Spokane incinerator, and energy transmission are just a few examples of successful efforts that Senator Shewmake impacted and helped get across the finish line during this legislative cycle.
