Dear friends and neighbors,

I hope this message finds you well as we embrace the changing seasons and the excitement that comes with back-to-school time. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with our local Timberline football team, engaging in meaningful conversations about our community’s future and civic engagement. It was encouraging to collaborate with the coaches in their effort to expand the scope of what these young leaders-in-the-making are exposed to.   The coach’s commitment to engaging with a variety of community voices truly gives me hope for our future.

Speaking of which, I’m thrilled to share that our Page Program will be up and running again during the 2024 legislative session! This wonderful initiative provides our bright young minds with a unique opportunity to experience the inner workings of our state government firsthand. It’s a fantastic way for them to gain valuable insights into our legislative process.

Find out more about the page program by clicking here!

Harvest Rail Tour: Uniting for a Sustainable Energy Future

During this interim, I had the pleasure of participating in an enlightening Harvest Rail Tour. This experience allowed us to delve into the crucial role played by our state-owned three short rail lines in Washington, serving our dedicated grain growers. Upgrades to these rail lines are funded in Move Ahead Washington which allows for more consistent funding overtime.  By efficiently transporting grain from Eastern Washington to destinations worldwide, we are not only backing our local farmers and stimulating job growth in our state but also contributing to the global food supply chain.

Furthermore, this tour presented us with an opportunity to engage in bipartisan discussions, exchange ideas, and gain insights into different approaches to clean energy legislation. Reflecting on our collective efforts as lawmakers representing diverse corners of Washington, it becomes evident that bipartisan cooperation is crucial for creating a more sustainable and equitable future for our state. While we achieved significant milestones during the 2023 legislative session, there is still work ahead to support Washington’s clean energy economy and lay the foundation for a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future.

Turning Waste into Clean Energy

I’m thrilled to share an exciting development in our ongoing efforts to combat food waste and promote clean energy in our community. In 2019, I was proud to pass a bill aimed at reducing food waste, and my colleague, Rep. Fitzgibbon, followed up with a bill introducing compost bins to collect organic waste. Today, I’m excited to tell you about Divert, a remarkable company that is helping us achieve the goals set by these bills. They’re taking food waste, processing it, and transforming it into biogas, which enters our gas pipeline. This innovative approach not only supports our local food production and clean energy sectors but also creates much-needed jobs. I recently had the honor of speaking at Divert’s groundbreaking event in Longview, where we celebrated the impact of HB 1799 and our collective commitment to addressing climate change through food waste reduction. It’s heartening to watch the impact and development of state policies making a real difference in our community.

More visits around the state

NWSA and Port of Tacoma Invest in a Greener Tomorrow

In an inspiring visit to the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) and the Port of Tacoma, I had a firsthand look at the significant investments being made in air quality, water quality, and environmental restoration.

Clean Energy Legislative Academy

I was excited to attend CELA’s bipartisan, intensive four-day academies in Breckenridge, Colorado: this unique, politically neutral platform facilitates candid discussions on state challenges, providing valuable opportunities to engage in policy discussions about a shared commitment to advancing clean energy policy for a sustainable future in our state.

Just like our seasons, our journey toward a greener and more sustainable future is ever-evolving. So, as we embrace the back-to-school spirit of learning and growth, let’s also embrace the opportunity to make a positive impact on our environment. Together, we can continue to write a clean energy story that will benefit generations to come.

Thanks for reading!

Warm regards,

Rep. Beth Doglio