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E3 Washington (E3 WA) is the state affiliate of the North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE). It is a professional association for educators that supports the three pillars of environment, equity, and economy. We work in partnership with communities across Washington to advocate for and offer professional learning, networking, and other support. This increases the state's capacity for environmental and sustainability education.
Organizations listed at the end of the document had also signed on in support of these initiatives in 2025. This collection of initiatives is linked by their shared purpose of providing young people with a deep connection to nature and the competencies, skills, and inspiration they need to prosper.
Concerning outdoor learning grants to expand and improve the delivery of outdoor learning opportunities (managed by OSPI).
Request summary: Legislature to support HB 1734 to establish a state-wide capital facility grant program to expand and improve facilities used for the delivery of outdoor learning opportunities.
Sponsor: Rule, Nance, Simmons, Springer, Berry, Shavers, Zahn, Parshley, Hill, Scott, Bernbaum, Pollet
Eligible groups: Eligible grant recipients include federally recognized tribes, local governments, state agencies, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations
Additional Support Information:
Youth Development Account Fund (managed by OSPI)
Request summary: Legislature to support SB 5992 the youth development fund account to increase access to positive youth development programs. These programs aim to provide safe spaces for youth aged 5 to 24 outside of school hours, offering services such as learning acceleration, social-emotional learning, mentorship, career navigation, arts, STEM, sports, outdoor education, civic engagement, and cultural programming.
Sponsor: Krishnadasan, Chapman, Hasegawa, Liias, Nobles, Riccelli, Trudeau, Wilson, C.
Eligible groups: nonprofit entities, entities sponsored by a nonprofit organization, tribes within Washington state, and city or county parks and recreation entities to support youth development programs. School districts and educational service districts may be eligible to apply for grants only when they are partnering with community-based organizations or when no such nonprofit programs exist in their location.
Additional Support Information:
Companion bill: HB 2484
Bills E3 WA will be tracking during the 2026 session:
E3 WA would like to share a few other bills we are tracking that may be relevant to the E3 WA community.
SB 6089 - Increasing coordination and alignment throughout the P20w system
The reason we are tracking this bill - to ensure the Natural Resources and Conservation Sector perspective is included.
SB 6078 - Providing prelicensing supports to individuals interested in becoming a licensed child care provider
The reason we are tracking this bill - nature-based preschool called out and if it is supporting those it seems aligned.
HB 2369 - Promoting the use of local foods in public schools
The reason we are tracking this bill - E3 this aligns with our school garden/local foods and E3s priorities.
WA’s Retail Sales and Use Tax: Washington’s retail sales and use tax is being applied to live educational presentations and services, including those used by schools. This raises costs for districts and providers, forcing schools to cut programs or divert limited funds away from instruction. Smaller districts and nonprofit providers are hit hardest, making it more costly for them to offer programs, including professional learning for recertification clock hours, outdoor educational programming, and enrichment opportunities that benefit students and teachers.
HB 2101 -Exempting live presentations from retail sales and use tax
