People's Memorial has been promoting access to simple, affordable cremation and funeral services since our inception in 1939. Today, tensions are rising around the funeral industry and end-of-life care providers. As the Seattle Times put it, there is a looming "cremation crisis" in Washington state.
In September 2025, PMA Board and Staff members penned two letters to address what we see as Washington's most pressing end-of-life concerns. We at People's Memorial believe there are solutions to these problems. Action is required by our government and regulatory officials, and we the people must speak up!
What can you do to help?
We need your voice. Contacting state representatives and government employees is the most impactful way to make sure these issues are top of mind for those who can enact change.
What follows is a list of individuals and offices who need to hear from you. See the next header for guidance about reaching out to officials.
Department of Ecology Executive Team
Director Casey Sixkiller, casey.sixkiller@ecy.wa.gov
Deputy Director Heather Bartlett, heather.bartlett@ecy.wa.gov
Special assistant to the director Sharlett Mena, sharlett.mena@ecy.wa.gov
Special assistant to the director Jennifer Hennessey, jennifer.hennessey@ecy.wa.gov
Clean Air Agency Board of Directors
Emily Pinckney, Public-at-Large member, tel 206-443-9570, epp5@humboldt.edu
Christine Cooley, Executive Director, ChristineC@pscleanair.gov
Joe Bushnell (Board Chair), https://arcg.is/1eWaq81, (253) 312-0550 represented by Kristina Walker (253) 312-7734, https://arcg.is/1eWaq81, or emailtheboard@soundtransit.org
Greg Wheeler Greg.Wheeler@ci.bremerton.wa.us, represented by Katie Ketterer Katie.Ketterer@ci.bremerton.wa.us, 360-473-5334
Cassie Franklin 425-257-7115, cfranklin@everettwa.gov, represented by Jennifer Gregerson 425-257-8671, jgregerson@everettwa.gov
Shannon Braddock, King County Executive kcexec@kingcounty.gov, 206-263-9600 (TTY relay: 711), represented by Marissa Aho 206-848-0579
Christine Rolfes, Kitsap County Commissioner crolfes@kitsap.gov, (360) 337-7080, Kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov
Ryan Mello, ryan.mello@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 798-7477, (800) 992-2456, info@ryanmello.com, represented by Ryan Dicks rdicks@co.pierce.wa.us, 253-798-8603, 253-798-7403
Bruce Harrell, (206) 684-4000 www.seattle.gov/mayor/contact represented by Michelle Caulfield (Vice Chair) as Iterim Director Office of Sustainability and Environment (206) 256-5158, OSE@seattle.gov
Megan Dunn, 425-388-3494, Megan.Dunn@co.snohomish.wa.us represented by Ryan Hembree 425-312-0793, ryan.hembree@snoco.org
Mail Complaints to:
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
Attn: Inspection Department
1904 3rd Avenue
Suite 105
Seattle, WA 98101
There exist over a dozen regional Clean Air Agencies across Washington state. Please click here to be taken to an expanded list of Clean Air Agency representatives.
What should I say?
- I'm concerned about the availability of end-of-life services when I and people I love pass away.
- I'm concerned that old crematories are allowed to run more than newer, cleaner crematories.
- I'm concerned end-of-life services are too expensive, especially the greener options legalized in 2019: natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis.
- I want the Department of Ecology to reconsider their limiting of crematories operating with newer machines.
- I want subsidies to make greener disposition options more affordable to reduce our state's reliance on cremations.
What should I know when I act?
- You can call, email, or write letters to any or all concerning either issue you think requires their attention.
- Make sure you mention your legal name and zip code so they can officially log your public comment.
- You can mention People's Memorial Association raised this issue to your attention. If you're a PMA Member, let them know!
- Convince a friend or family member to act with you! The more voices the stronger.
People's Memorial Association represents our over 72,000 living members across Washington state, but you don't need to be a member to help ensure funeral services are available and affordable for everyone. If you pass today, there are still services available; we need to ensure the services are still available and affordable a years from now.
