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: Feb 25 Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Preventing incredibly damaging seabed mining (SB 5145)
Status: Feb 12 Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Learn more about seabed mining and why we need to prevent it
Water Re-use (HB 1184)
Status: Passed the House
Learn more about water reuse “greywater” and ESHB1184
Sign up by February 25th: https://p2a.co/z0j7eqc
More info on bills and lobby week
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
HB 1117– Promoting salmon recovery through revisions to the state’s comprehensive planning framework.
CELP position: Neutral
Status: Feb 22 Executive action taken in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM. (Committee Materials)APP – Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.(Majority Report)Minority; without recommendation. (Minority Report)Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Feb 25 Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
HB 1132-Concerning the protection of water supply for farming and rural economic development.
CELP position: Against
Status: 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: Feb 23 Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
HB 1184– Concerning risk-based water quality standards for on-site nonpotable water systems.
CELP position: Support
Status: PASSED THE HOUSE
Feb 241st substitute bill substituted (LG 21).(View 1st Substitute)Floor amendment(s) adopted.Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Third reading, passed; yeas, 90; nays, 6; absent, 0; excused, 2. (View 1st Engrossed)(View Roll Calls)
SB 5092 / HB 1094– Making 2021-2023 fiscal biennium operating appropriations. Nooksack River adjudication funding.
CELP position: Support
Status: Jan 12 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 4:00 PM. (Committee Materials)
SB 5306– Concerning local salmon habitat recovery planning in critical areas.
CELP position: Support
Status: 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.