Protecting marine areas in Northwest Washington against the Republican Rip-Off
In the face of the Republican Rip-Off, I am actively seeking out ways to stand up for Northwest Washington.
This month, I introduced the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025, legislation to permanently reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission in the Puget Sound, and fund it at $10 million each fiscal year for the next six years, through Fiscal Year 2031.
The Commission is a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region and address local threats. This program provides funding, training, and support to seven county-based Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) and 15 Tribes to protect and enhance marine environments by:
- Supporting water quality monitoring and improvement efforts
- Restoring shellfish populations
- Protecting vulnerable ecosystems
- Promoting growth for native water and shore-based plants, and
- Educating local residents about the health of the Northwest Straits marine waters
The Northwest Straits Initiative is a grassroots effort that draws its strength from community cooperation. By bringing together a diverse group of local leaders and community stakeholders, the Initiative has long been a catalyst for well-executed projects that restore marine habitat, protect Washington state’s environment, and create more jobs in Northwest Washington.
A healthy environment is vital to Washingtonians’ way of life and the regional economy — and that is why mitigating climate change through projects like the Northwest Straits Initiative must be a top priority. I look forward to working with members of the Washington delegation to pass this legislation to help the Commission continue its important work.
