Dear Friends & Neighbors,
There is no doubt about it – PNW summers are getting warmer. The effects of climate change have far-reaching consequences for Washingtonians and the natural world. Without proactive measures, these impacts will cause devastating damage.
I want to tell you about the strategies the legislature is working on to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change, so we can ensure a more resilient future for ourselves and the next generations.
Wildland fire safety: HB 1578
Improves community preparedness, response, recovery and resilience to wildland fire health and safety impacts like smoke exposure, post-wildfire debris flow and evacuation strategies on the westside of the state.
Drought preparedness: HB 1138
Investing in drought planning and preparation, as well as emergency response, will reduce long-term damages and costs, and make the state more resilient to the effects of climate change. Less snowpack and hotter, dryer summers will result in drought and its impact on rivers and streams, and the fish that rely on them. This bill improves and speeds up the state’s response when and where we get hit by a drought.
Climate change and planning: HB 1181
The fact is that a lack of land-use planning for climate change and natural disasters is more expensive in the long run. This legislation is about smarter planning for livable, walkable, and sustainable communities.
Streamlining clean energy siting: HB 1216
The current permitting process for building new clean energy projects is just too difficult. This bill provides better coordination between permitting agencies and creates a pathway for these projects to undergo the same thorough review they would receive under current law, but in a more streamlined way.
Preventing utility shutoffs during extreme heat events: HB 1329
We’ve seen how dangerous and deadly hot weather events can be in Washington State, and with climate change we need to be prepared for these events to happen more often. HB 1329 helps protect economically vulnerable communities from the devastating impacts of extreme hot weather by prohibiting utilities and landlords from terminating water or electricity service during days when the National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning.
In addition, the 2023-2025 Washington State Operating Budget invests $684 million over the next biennium in natural resource protection and projects, as well as supporting clean energy transition and climate resiliency efforts.
- Uses Climate Commitment Act dollars to invest in climate planning and response – $406 million
- Funds forest health and wildfire protection – $45 million
- Provides funding for salmon production, habitat and recovery – $36 million
- Expands funding for biodiversity conservation – $25 million
- Funds invasive species management – $14 million
As always, reach out anytime to my Legislative Assistant Natalie Whitesel or email me. It’s an honor to serve you in Olympia.
Best wishes,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District