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This year's legislative session began with much controversy over the Department of Ecology's recently adopted Shoreline Guidelines rule that better protects our shorelines, beaches, lakes and rivers. Since the beginning of session, anti-shoreline forces have been working to stop or repeal the new rule and pro-shoreline forces have been working for funding to enable the updates to happen.
Unfortunately, on the final day for bills to be considered in their respective chamber (March 14th), the Senate took a dramatic action to rollback shoreline protection by passing Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5378, which would exempt more than three-fourths of counties and cities from updating their shoreline programs.
Action now moves to the House where the fate of the bill remains unclear.
At a time when clean waters, wild salmon and our quality of life are all under threat from the pressures of increased population and development, we need strong standards of protection more than ever. Washingtonians deserve to have their waters clean and safe from the harm resulting from irresponsible development and the implementation of the newly adopted shoreline rules is a positive step in that direction. It is critical that our 24th District Representatives hear now from their constituents to support the new guidelines and oppose SSB 5378, the senate bill which attempts to roll back new shoreline protections.
Contact your state legislative representatives and urge them to support the newly adopted shoreline rules and the Governor's request for funds to help local governments implement the new rules:
Washington Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000
Email:
Rep. Jim Buck:
Rep. Lynn Kessler:
Jerry Gorsline
Washington Environmental Council
Olympic Field Office
5282 Cape George Road
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: 360/385-6132
E-mail: jerry@wecprotects.org
Website: www.wecprotects.org