Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup now up and running
May 16, 2013 - Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon
Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, and Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien, expressed hope and enthusiasm after the first meeting of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup yesterday. “This is the start of something really exciting,” said Ranker, who joins … Continue reading
Rep. Tina Orwall’s e-newsletter for March 20, 2013
March 20, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Update on my bills I am so pleased that all 9 of my remaining bills passed the House before cutoff! SHB 1341, regarding compensation for those wrongly convicted and imprisoned; SHB 1290, which requires county auditors to place postage-free ballot … Continue reading
House advances environmental, natural resource legislation
March 7, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Protecting our state’s quality of life is the overarching theme of several environmental and natural resource-related measures championed by House Democrats. The House has advanced a package of bills protecting people and the environment from toxic chemicals and pollution, and … Continue reading
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege’s statement on House passage of the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act
March 7, 2013 - Rep. Kevin Van De Wege
“Last night, a majority of the state House agreed that when it comes to toxic chemicals, we can’t continue to put people’s health unnecessarily at risk. “The Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act bans two cancer-causing chemicals that are touted by … Continue reading
ICYMI: Rep. Tarleton featured in the Ballard News Tribune
January 29, 2013 - mcvicara
The Ballard News Tribune recently spoke with the newest lawmaker from the 36th Legislative District – Rep. Gael Tarleton. In the interview, Rep. Tarleton discusses her goals of making college more affordable for students, the need for a new transportation … Continue reading
Jessyn Farrell’s “Meet the New Member”
January 23, 2013 - majeskiq
This year the HDC welcomed nine new members to the House of Representatives. Last week they began rolling out a series of “Meet the New Member” blog posts in an effort to better acquaint readers with the newest faces around … Continue reading
Van De Wege, local Audubon Society agree on Dungeness Spit proposal
January 16, 2013 - Rep. Kevin Van De Wege
State Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) and representatives of the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society (OPAS) in Sequim have jointly agreed to a proposal that would continue to permit jogging within the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (DNWR), and protect horseback … Continue reading
Jobs, fish and farmers
December 13, 2012 - Rep. Hans Dunshee
Cleaning up the environment can create jobs and help farmers, too. That’s what happened at Port Susan Bay, where citizens, community leaders, lawmakers and volunteers celebrated the completion of two projects this month. Here are two photos by Marlin Greene … Continue reading
Fitzgibbon reappointed to vice-chair role, elected to caucus leadership post
December 12, 2012 - mcvicara
Earlier this week, the House Democratic Caucus announced its committee structure for the upcoming session. State Representative Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien) will continue to serve as vice-chair of the House Local Government Committee. The Local Government Committee considers issues relating to … Continue reading
Legislators call for emergency task force to identify statewide impacts of coal export proposal
November 7, 2012 - mcvicara
State Representatives Jeff Morris (D-Mount Vernon) and Kris Lytton (D-Anacortes) are calling on Gov. Chris Gregoire to establish a multi-agency task force to identify the statewide economic, transportation, and environmental impact of a proposed coal terminal near Bellingham. Under federal … Continue reading
House approves bill to spur innovations in energy conservation
March 1, 2012 - mcvicaraOlympia – By a unanimous vote, the House approved Senate Bill 6414 Wednesday evening that would further advance the state’s energy conservation efforts under I-937. The bill’s supporters say this measure is needed to provide businesses and utilities some regulatory … Continue reading
Brown, Billig expect positive impact on jobs, environment from aviation biofuel bill
February 24, 2012 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – Washington state is a national leader in both aviation technologies and renewable resources, but thus far the state’s airline industry has been powered by out-of-state sources of aviation biofuel. House Bill 2422, which cleared the Senate on Friday … Continue reading
Beaver Bill on the move again
February 13, 2012 - nietolMeasure would allow for beavers deemed a nuisance to be relocated to areas where they are needed, wanted OLYMPIA—A new approach to help parched parts of the state retain water and create flourishing wetlands is the subject of House Bill … Continue reading
Upthegrove earns “Legislator of the Year” award from nation’s largest marine trade association
December 9, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – Thanks to a measure passed by legislature last year, Washington state is in the process of phasing out copper-based antifouling paints for use on boats and other recreational marine vessels. The bill, which was signed by the governor … Continue reading
Washington becomes the first state to ban toxic coal-tar pavement sealants
May 5, 2011 - boyesrWashington becomes the first state to ban toxic coal-tar pavement sealants May 5, 2011 OLYMPIA—At a bill-signing ceremony in the state capitol on Thursday, Washington became the first state in the nation to enact a statewide ban on a type … Continue reading
Governor signs landmark legislation improving Washington protection from major oil spills
April 20, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – On the anniversary of the catastrophic April 20, 2010, crude oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed landmark legislation that significantly advances protection of Washington state’s environment, economy and cultural resources from the … Continue reading
“Clean Fertilizers, Healthier Lakes and Rivers Act” becomes law
April 14, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – Toxic algae blooms are polluting some of Washington’s lakes, rivers and streams, but a new measure signed by the Governor today will help reduce this harmful and costly problem. Dubbed the “Clean Fertilizers, Healthier Lakes and Rivers Act,” … Continue reading
Governor approves Puget Sound Corps
April 11, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – With the stroke of a pen, Governor Gregoire put her signature on legislation that streamlines a popular state program, creates 150 jobs, and helps restore the health of Puget Sound. Rep. Steve Tharinger (D – Sequim) sponsored HB … Continue reading
Legislature approves oil spill protection plan
April 5, 2011 - waldrefjHouse Bill 1186 clears Senate today; House concurrence expected soon OLYMPIA – The Senate today passed a bill designed to prevent catastrophic oil spills and improve spill-response efforts in Washington waters. Sponsored by Rep. Christine Rolfes, the bill now awaits … Continue reading
Reps. Hudgins, Rolfes and Upthegrove are working to protect Puget Sound from oil spills
February 16, 2011 - mcvicaraState House unveils oil spill protection plan
January 11, 2011 - waldrefjAs a federal fact-finding commission releases its report today on the BP oil disaster, environmental leaders in the state House put forward measures to keep Washington waters safe OLYMPIA – Environmental leaders in the state House of Representatives today announced … Continue reading
