Answer: I would look into Washington’s main industries (agriculture, lumber, aerospace) and how they impact the environment. Look at the financial, political, and resource gains that come with exploiting the environment as well as the negative, harmful, and long-term impacts of it. Then make sure to find specific examples of each (teachers value real-world examples). Finally, consider renewable or new-age solutions to the problems you have uncovered AND mention any steps the state has already taken (such as clean technology or reclamation plans).
Main pointers:
-strong thesis
-multiple sources
-real world examples
-future plans