A few weeks ago we asked for your support of HB2866. This bill would have prevented transfers of limited agricultural water resources out of our valley and blocked water speculators. Although this bill did not advance out of committee, an amendment has been offered to another water-related Bill in the Senate, thanks to the efforts of Senator Brad Hawkins. The amendment to SSB 6494  would place a temporary prohibition on transfers of water from the Methow and Okanogan watersheds until a Department of Ecology study group completes its work in 2021. The amendment would specifically prohibit the transfer of water out of the Methow and Okanogan until 90 days after the end of the 2021 legislative session, achieving some protection now while further efforts for permanent protection are in process.

Time is short for this amendment to advance. The bill and any amendment will be voted on by the Senate on Monday or Tuesday. You can help by e-mailing Senators Judy Warnick (Judith.Warnick@leg.wa.gov) and Kevin VanDeWege (kevin.vandewege@leg.wa.gov) ASAP with a message of support. Please also cc Warnick’s legislative aide Cynthia Banuelos (Cynthia.banuelos@leg.wa.gov) to make sure the emails get through due to the sheer volume they have incoming. If you would prefer to call instead, they will take messages at (360) 786-7624.

Here is some suggested language:

Dear Senators Warnick and VanDeWege,

Thank you for your conversations with Senator Hawkins regarding his amendment to SSB 6494. This amendment is necessary to protect loss of water from the Methow while Ecology’s study group does its work. We/I urge your support of Senator Hawkins’ amendment.

Thank you,

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We will keep you posted as this bill progresses in Olympia! Thank you for your help.