Nancy Rust was a defender of the environment

Published 1:30 am Saturday, June 30, 2018

SEATTLE — Nancy Rust, a champion of environmental protection efforts in a 16-year legislative career, has died.

A longtime resident of Shoreline, Rust passed away June 16 at Horizon House in Seattle after a short illness, according to family members. She was 89.

Rust, a Democrat, was first elected in 1980 in the 44th Legislative District, which at the time was situated entirely in King County. She was re-elected seven times, the last in 1994. By then, redistricting put Shoreline in the 32nd District.

She chaired the House Environmental Affairs Committee from 1983-1994. In that time, she authored and helped push through legislation regarding the handling of hazardous waste, growth management, shoreline development and prevention of oil spills on Puget Sound.

Rust prided herself on blocking attempts to weaken the shoreline oversight and growth management statutes in her capacity as committee chairwoman.

“I was the enemy of the builders,” she said in a 2009 interview.

After leaving office, she continued her work, including a stint as president of the board for the Center for Environmental Law and Policy. In 2006 she received the organization’s Ralph M. Johnson award in recognition of her commitment to protect the waters of Washington.

The mother of six children, Rust was active in the PTA, served on the board of the Greater Seattle Girl Scouts, led Girl Scout troops, and went on countless Girl Scout outings.

Rust is survived by her husband, Dr. Richard Eno Rust, along with two sisters, six children, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A celebration of her life will be held from 3-5 p.m. Aug. 12 at Horizon House in Seattle.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@herald net.com. Twitter: @dospueblos.