As we move forward this year, our priorities are getting Streamflow Restoration Plans approved and getting water restoration and mitigation projects in these plans funded. We are also working to help get the adjudications of the Nooksack and Colville watersheds started and working with Ecology to restart instream flow setting for unprotected watersheds.
This legislative session, we are tracking bills, lobbying, and providing you with all the information you need to contact your representatives to urge them to protect our waters.
Water Lobby Week
When: March 1st- March 5th
Partners: RE Sources, North Sound Baykeeper, Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team (DERT), Spokane Riverkeeper, Twin Harbors Waterkeeper, and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
Priority Bills:
Nooksack River adjudication funding (SB 5092 / HB 1094)
Learn more about Adjudications and why the Nooksack needs one
Reducing Plastic Pollution and Improving Recycling (SSB 5022)
Status: PASSED THE SENATE Mar 2 Third reading, passed; yeas, 31; nays, 17; absent, 0; excused, 1. (View 1st Engrossed) (View Roll Calls).
In the HOUSE Mar 4 First reading, referred to Environment & Energy.
Mar 11 Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Environment & Energy at 1:30 PM (Subject to change). (Committee Materials)
Preventing incredibly damaging seabed mining (SB 5145)
Status: PASSED THE SENATE. Mar 4 Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0. (View Roll Calls)
In the HOUSE Mar 17 Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Rural Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:00 AM (Subject to change). (Committee Materials)
Mar 19 Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Rural Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources at 8:00 AM (Subject to change). (Committee Materials)
Learn more about seabed mining and why we need to prevent it
Water Re-use (HB 1184)
Status: PASSED THE HOUSE
In the SENATE: Mar 18 Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Housing & Local Government at 8:00 AM (Subject to change). (Committee Materials)
Learn more about water reuse “greywater” and ESHB1184
Visit https://p2a.co/DQIk8yT to reach out to your lawmakers in support of these four critical bills.
Resources to learn about the legislative session:
Accessing the Legislature Remotely
Find your legislative district
Find and contact your Representatives
CELP’s Bill Tracker and Positions
E2SHB 1117– Promoting salmon recovery through revisions to the state’s comprehensive planning framework.
CELP position: Neutral
Status: PASSED THE HOUSE. Third reading, passed; yeas, 58; nays, 38; absent, 0; excused, 2. (View 1st Engrossed) (View Roll Calls).
In the SENATE. Mar 16 Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing & Local Government at 8:00 AM (Subject to change). (Committee Materials)
HB 1132-Concerning the protection of water supply for farming and rural economic development.
CELP position: Against
Status: Did not pass out of committee. Jan 20 Public hearing in the House Committee on Rural Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources at 10:00 AM. (Committee Materials)
HB 1372 Replacing the Marcus Whitman statue in the national statuary hall collection with a statue of Billy Frank Jr.
CELP Position: Support. Billy Frank Jr. was a hero for natural resources, treaty and fishing rights, tribal communities, and us all.
Status: PASSED THE HOUSE. Mar 8 1st substitute bill substituted (SGOV 21).(View 1st Substitute) Floor amendment(s) adopted.Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; yeas, 92; nays, 5; absent, 0; excused, 1. (View 1st Engrossed)(View Roll Calls).
In the SENATE Mar 17 Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 8:00 AM (Subject to change). (Committee Materials)
Mar 19 Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 10:30 AM (Subject to change). (Committee Materials)
SB 5306– Concerning local salmon habitat recovery planning in critical areas.
CELP position: Support
Status: Did not pass out of committee. Feb 11 Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks at 1:30 PM. (Committee Materials)
How to Contact your Representatives: Find and contact your legislators here.