Since graduating from SMEA in 2023, Andrew Kenfick has continued his work in salmon conservation, transforming a classroom policy analysis into proposed state legislation.

Andrew co-drafted a bill for the Washington state Legislature to ban the chemical 6PPD from tires sold in Washington. Used since the 1960’s to prevent tire cracking and degradation, 6PPD transforms in the environment into 6PPD-quinone, a pollutant so toxic that even small amounts can kill juvenile and adult coho salmon. The issue has emerged as a significant threat to PNW salmon Populations.

Working in partnership with Trout Unlimited and other environmental organizations, the bill was introduced in both chambers as HB 2421 and SB 6119. The legisation recieved strong sponsorship and broad support from environmental organizations, tribal governments, and local municipalities, while also drawing interest from other states.

The Puget Sound Institute published an article on the proposed ban, quoting Andrew on the science and policy implications. He also authored an op-ed in The Everett Herald highlighting the urgency of addressing tire-derived chemical pollution.

Most notably, the origins of the bill trace back to Andrew’s work in SMEA 500 in 2021, where he and other classmates analysed regulatory options for managing 6PPD. Of the seven policy pathways evaluated, their top recommendation was a statewide phase-out of tires containing 6PPD, the very proposal later introduced to the legislature.

While the bill ultimately did not advance to a floor vote during the shortened legislative session, Andrew and his partners are continuing to build momentum and plan to reintroduce the legislation next year. His work exemplifies how SMEA coursework can evolve into real-world policy initiatives aimed at protecting Washington’s salmon and other wildlife.