Friends,
73 dump-truck loads of pollution. That’s what we discovered was being recklessly dumped into Puget Sound by the U.S. Navy. They illegally blasted debris off the U.S.S. Independence while it was in the water, releasing loads of solid material, including highly toxic metals like copper and zinc, into Puget Sound. Their actions not only endangered the orcas, salmon, and other marine life in the Sound but also all those who rely on our clean water.
Just last week, we reached a resolution that stops the Navy from in-water scraping and safeguards Washington’s waters -- another win for Washington state.
This is a huge victory. We’re now 25-0 in lawsuits against the Trump administration. This success would not have been possible without the Suquamish Tribe, Washington Environmental Council, and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance.
Protecting Washington’s water -- and the safety and health of everyone who relies on it -- is one of my top priorities as Attorney General. I created the Counsel for Environmental Protection Unit in the Attorney General’s office to address exactly this type of case.
The Navy was warned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington Department of Ecology that its in-water scraping would pollute the Puget Sound. They went ahead with no regard for the damage they would cause. It’s my job to stand up to powerful interests and institutions when they violate the law and hurt Washingtonians.
This agreement is a victory for our state and an affirmation that every level of government has a duty to protect our environment.
Best,
Bob
