Drought conditions, clean jet fuel, high credit ratings, Kennewick Man



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Drought affects 12 counties
The Department of Ecology has issued an emergency drought declaration for 12 counties

Benton, Clallam, Columbia, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties are currently affected by drought.

A warm winter led to early snowmelt. A dry spring didn't sprinkle much rain. And now unusual summer heat has further stressed watersheds in 12 counties on both sides of the Cascades. The state Department of Ecology declared a drought emergency [ [link removed] ] for these counties Monday.

"Climate change is making warm, dry summers more frequent, and droughts more severe," said Ria Berns, manager of Ecology's Water Resources program. "What we're seeing this year is likely a sign of things to come."

Water is being trucked into some affected communities. Fish passage has been obstructed. Water use has been limited for some junior rights holders. In the Walla Walla Basin, parts of the watershed are completely dry. Earlier this month, 51% of the state's land area [ [link removed] ] was affected by drought.

?This drought is already harming Washington communities, businesses and farms, and it?s another sign of the damage that climate change is causing to our state," said Laura Watson, Ecology's director.

Legislation signed by Gov. Jay Inslee this spring set aside $3 million in emergency drought funds to improve the state's response to increasingly common droughts.

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Explore Washington's breathtaking parks this summer

A park ranger reads to kids at Deception Pass State Park

A park ranger reads to curious kids at Deception Pass State Park near Oak Harbor, Washington.

Picture alpine meadows blooming with wildflowers and Mount Rainier's lofty peak high above. Or imagine walking through old-growth rainforest to reach an ocean beach as majestic sea stacks loom over the water. There is good reason why Trips to Discover ranked Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park among the nation's best summer travel destinations [ [link removed] ].

There are three national parks in Washington state, 142 state parks, 17 national wildlife refuges, and five state recreation areas. Forty million visitors flock to Washington's gorgeous state parks every year to enjoy incredible views, challenging hikes, fascinating wildlife, and more. Even if you're a frequent visitor to state and national parks, there is always more to discover.

Rockport State Park in Skagit County features miles of easy trails through lush, ancient forest. Lyons Ferry State Park features scenic trails along the Columbia River where Lewis and Clark traveled in 1805. Deception Pass State Park, the most popular state park, boasts tide pools, miles of shoreline, campgrounds, and stunning views.

Read more about state parks on Gov. Jay Inslee's Medium. [ [link removed] ]

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Cleaner jet fuel, made in Washington, is ready to fly
Shovel in hand, Gov. Jay Inslee stands ready to break ground at the site of a future sustainable aviation fuel production facility.

Shovel in hand, Gov. Jay Inslee stands ready to break ground at the site of a future sustainable aviation fuel production facility next to Twelve CEO Nicholas Flanders in July.

Carbon dioxide is evil. It?s?clouding our atmosphere. It?s?coloring our oceans. It?s?cooking our planet. But a startup called Twelve is using it to create a cleaner jet fuel.

That's almost like Superman learning to use kryptonite.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) shows promise in decarbonizing air travel. It's clean to produce and clean-burning. It works with existing aircraft, so it's ready to fly now. The trick is making enough of it.

Global SAF production is poised to explode, presenting a trillion-dollar economic opportunity. Since Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5447 in May, state phones have been buzzing. Local investments in SAF production worth more than $1 billion dollars have already been announced. That's just the beginning, say state officials.

Read the full story on Gov. Jay Inslee's Medium [ [link removed] ]

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State maintains historic credit ratings

Washington state is a premiere borrower, according to experts. The state has maintained its sterling credit rating [ [link removed] ], earning the highest possible rating from Moody's for debts "judged to be of the highest quality and minimal risk."

Reports from Moody?s (Aaa), S&P (AA+) and Fitch (AA+) credited the state?s strong governance, sound reserves, and sizzling economy as contributing factors.

Healthy credit helps Washington finance vital projects with low-interest debt, and affords the state flexibility to refinance existing obligations.

?In recent years, our state budgets have made historic investments in affordable housing, health care, public schools, environmental health, and other areas critical to strong communities," said Sen. Andy Billing [ [link removed] ]. "Today?s news is another reminder that smart, targeted public investments can improve lives and strengthen the state?s economic landscape.?

"Our commitment to sound fiscal stewardship and responsible budgeting practices is one of the big reasons Washington remains one of the best places in the world to live, work, and raise a family," said Sen. Christine Rolfes.






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News you might have missed:

*State Patrol encourages safer summer driving*

Summer is the deadliest time of year on state highways: over the last five years, 60 Washingtonians have died monthly [ [link removed] ] during June, July, and August. High speeds, impairment, and distraction are common factors.

?Fatalities are at an all-time high,? said Washington State Patrol chief John R. Batiste. ?We need the help of everyone; be courteous, driver sober, slow down, so we can all enjoy the summer spending time with our loved ones.?

*Paris Air Show recap: Washington showcases sustainability*

Gov. Jay Inslee led a state delegation to the Paris Air Show in June, representing the state's $70 billion aerospace sector. The trip was fruitful: more than $1 billion in investments in sustainable aviation fuel production have been announced since. Aerospace advancements like automation, uncrewed systems, advanced mobility, and commercial space flight are imminent. The state Department of Commerce summarized the event [ [link removed] ] earlier this week.

Fees from drug convictions to be reimbursed

At least 260,000 past felony convictions are eligible to be vacated following the state Supreme Court's 2021 decision in "State v. Blake". The state has launched a new portal [ [link removed] ] that allows people to request reimbursement for fines and penalties related to drug possession charges invalidated by the Blake decision, or fees related to misdemeanor marijuana convictions prior to legalization in 2012.

*Remembering Kennewick Man*

Twenty-seven years ago today, two men tubing down the Columbia River discovered a 9,000-year-old skull belonging to "Kennewick Man" or "The Ancient One." A stunningly complete skeleton was uncovered, one of the oldest ever found on the continent. A long scientific, legal, and political battle over his remains [ [link removed] ] would follow. DNA analysis illuminated his Native American heritage and President Barack Obama signed a bill to allow state and Tribal leaders to partner to to finally bring The Ancient One home [ [link removed] ] more than 20 years after his discovery.

ADA turns 33

President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act [ [link removed] ] into law 33 years ago Wednesday. The signing was something of a dawn for accessibility and accommodation, and a dusk for legal discrimination. Washington state has been a national leader for disability rights. Public spaces and transportation are accessible. Equal opportunity in the workplace is required. The state has four times the national average of participation in integrated employment services, which promotes independence by marketing the job skills of people with disabilities. Washingtonians with developmental disabilities earned $83.8 million in integrated jobs during 2022.

One of Gov. Jay Inslee's first executive orders [ [link removed] ]?promoted the hiring of people with disabilities into state government.

State ferry workers save kitten

Washington State Ferries workers at the Clinton terminal noticed a kitten in the water, clinging to an offshore piling. The crew launched a rescue boat and brought the kitten ashore [ [link removed] ] and to the South Whidbey Animal Clinic for a checkup.

"I'm glad the kitten is 'feline' better," said Gov. Jay Inslee. [ [link removed] ]








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