A healthy environment is vital to Washingtonians’ way of life and the regional economy
I am proud to have earned the support of two organizations committed to protecting our environment: Sierra Club's Washington chapter and SEEC PAC, the political arm of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.
Their support means a great deal because protecting Northwest Washington's environment is about more than preserving the places we love. It is about protecting our way of life and strengthening our local economy.
The Sierra Club's slogan is "Enjoy, explore, and protect the planet." I cannot imagine a better place in the county to do just that than Northwest Washington.
From rolling hills, stunning valleys, and beautiful landscapes along the Puget Sound and the Salish Sea to our diverse ecosystem that supports large migrations of shorebirds, beloved salmon returns, and the iconic bald eagle. Northwest Washington is beloved by environmentalists and adventurers alike.
Beyond the stunning scenery, our landscapes and natural resources are a key component of our local economy.
The rivers throughout the district have deposited rich soils that contribute to some of the finest agricultural land in the country. Northwest Washington's fertile soil must be cared for and protected.
Further, our district's proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes our coastal communities major economic centers, and we have a responsibility to protect ocean habitats and scenic shorelines through thoughtful policy-making and clean energy innovation.
In Congress, I have made mitigating climate change a top priority:
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I helped draft and pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which continues to invest federal dollars into green jobs, provides Washingtonians with more transportation options, eases congestion in local communities, and reduces carbon pollution across the state;
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My bill to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission passed the House. The Commission is a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region and address local threats to marine environments;
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My Water Resources Development Act of 2026 passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill protects Northwest Washington's environment, supports Columbia River Treaty negotiations, and authorizes critical investments in Northwest Washington.
Washington is a beautiful state, and it is a privilege to work with Sierra Club's Washington chapter and SEEC PAC to mitigate climate change and protect our home.
More soon,
Rick
