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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
 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.
Washington state is a premiere borrower, according to experts. The state has maintained its sterling credit rating, 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. "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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