Take Action for the Methow:

Clean Air, Climate, Forests, and Public Lands in the State Legislature

Week of March 26^th

Governor Inslee has identified a strong package of climate priorities for the upcoming legislative session: 100% Clean Energy, Clean and Efficient Buildings, Clean Fuel Standard, HFC Super-Pollutant Ban, Clean Transportation, and accompanying budget investments. The Methow Valley Citizens Council is closely following these bills. We’ll be providing periodic and timely updates on relevant bills and tips on how you can effectively engage with your legislators this session. You can read our entire bill digest summary, here.

TWO CLIMATE ACTIONS TO TAKE THIS WEEK:

1.) Submit a comment on HB 1028 before April 2nd. Learn how, here. 

HB 1028 would overrule a the outcome of a carefully negotiated 2013 decision (HB 1632) between the ATV community, and environmental groups. If HB 1028 were to pass it would result in a dramatic expansion of ATVs on county roads, state roads and highways. This expansion not only raises environmental concerns but also public safety concerns. MVCC understands the ATV communities need for creating linked loops but this hasty bill is not the right choice for Washington, or the Methow.  We encourage you to submit a comment before the Tuesday, April 2nd Senate Transportation Committee hearing. To learn how to do so click, here. You can read our comment letter to the Senate Transportation Committee here.

2.) Email or Call Senator Brad Hawkins: (360) 786-7622; Toll-free: (800) 562-6000; hawkins@leg.wa.gov

Thank Senator Hawkins for his leadership on important bills such as SB 5322 to protect water quality, SB 5873 to support and encourage community forestry, and SB 5588 to authorize the production, distribution, and sale of renewable hydrogen – a part of the climate solution.

Let him know that there are several other important climate bills being considered in the Senate this week and that you support them and would like his support too:

Support

HB 1444: Concerning appliance efficiency standards

HB 1622: Concerning drought preparedness and response.

In addition to voting on legislation that will help make Washington a leader in climate action we would like to encourage Sen. Hawkins to support fully fund the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The WDFW plays a critical role in protecting Washington’s natural environments, wildlife and managing recreational areas in the North Central Washington region and across the state. WDFW programs are a key component of rural Washington’s economy providing millions of dollars in revenue each year through hunting and fishing licenses and recreational pass sales. Tourists flock to places like the Methow Valley each year to participate in hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Fully funding the WDFW is necessary to maintain healthy wildlife populations and a healthy North Central Washington economy. Please read this op-ed by our friends at Conservation Northwest for additional info.

3.) Email or Call Representatives:

Mike Steele (360) 786-7832,  mike.steele@leg.wa.gov

Representative Keith Goehner (360) 386-7954, email: keith.goehner@leg.wa.gov

Thank Representative Steele, for being a lead sponsor on HB 1512, the electrification of transportation. Urge both Steele and Hawkins to also support the following bills that address climate change and are being considered in the House this week. Let them know that we cannot rely on the market alone to provide solutions to the climate crisis. We have an urgent need to make viable solutions to our pollution problem more accessible. The people of Washington must lead the way, and businesses will follow.

House Committee Action

HB 1567: Concerning the sale and installation of solid fuel burning devices.

SB 5116: Supporting Washington’s clean energy economy and transitioning to a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future (100% Clean Electricity)

SB 5223: Concerning net metering (Solar Fairness Act)

SB 5322: Ensuring compliance with the federal clean water act by prohibiting certain discharges into waters of the state.

SB 5323: Reducing Pollution from Plastic Bags.

SB 5397: Concerning the responsible management of plastic packaging.

SB 5489: Establishing a healthy environment for all (HEAL Act).

SB 5873: Concerning community forests pilot project

SB 5947: Establishing the sustainable farms and fields grant program.

In addition to voting on legislation that will help make Washington a leader in climate action we would like to encourage Rep. Goehner and Rep. Steele to support fully fund the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The WDFW plays a critical role in protecting Washington’s natural environments, wildlife and managing recreational areas in the North Central Washington region and across the state. WDFW programs are a key component of rural Washington’s economy providing millions of dollars in revenue each year through hunting and fishing licenses and recreational pass sales. Tourists flock to places like the Methow Valley each year to participate in hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Fully funding the WDFW is necessary to maintain healthy wildlife populations and a healthy North Central Washington economy. Please read this op-ed by our friends at Conservation Northwest for additional info.