Salmon agreement, proposed budget, climate action, gas spill



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White House, Tribes, state enter historic agreement to restore wild salmon
Migrating sockeye salmon display vibrant breeding colors as they venture upstream to spawn.

Migrating sockeye salmon display vibrant breeding colors as they venture upstream to spawn. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Yakama Nation)

The Biden-Harris Administration Thursday announced a historic commitment to restore wild salmon [ [link removed] ] in the Pacific Northwest. The agreement brings together the federal government, Tribal nations, and the states of Oregon and Washington to invest in salmon recovery and clean energy generation, and to develop a permanent strategy for the Columbia River Basin. The announcement also brings reprieve from litigation that has bogged progress for years.

The partnership and new federal investments may be a lifeline for salmon populations on the brink of extinction [ [link removed] ].

Regional salmon recovery will benefit from about $1 billion in federal funding over the next decade to restore habitat, update hatcheries, and more. The partnership will also plan for the development of one to three gigawatts of clean power as a contingency should the U.S. Congress consider breaching the federal dams along the Snake River. Authority to order breach of the dams is exclusive to Congress.

The four Lower Snake River dams generate about one gigawatt of power per month on average, or up to 2.3 gigawatts during periods of high demand. Additionally, the dams afford recreational opportunities, transport, and maritime commerce.

Gov. Jay Inslee and Sen. Patty Murray last year issued a report [ [link removed] ] urging protections for salmon and advising that a breach of the dams could only occur once the dams’ generative capacity and economic benefits are replaced.

The Six Sovereigns who signed the new agreement comprise the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the State of Oregon, and the State of Washington.

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Supplemental budget proposal continues investments in urgent statewide issues

Gov. Jay Inslee announces his 2024-25 supplemental budget proposal, calling it ‘another step forward’ in the right direction.

Gov. Jay Inslee announces his 2024-25 supplemental budget proposal, calling it ‘another step forward’ in the right direction.

“It’s a little like climbing Mount Rainier,” said Gov. Jay Inslee Wednesday as he detailed his proposal for the state’s 2024-25 supplemental budget. “This budget is another step up, another step forward, towards where we’re going.  And that’s to a healthier and cleaner Washington state, and a healthier and cleaner state economy.”

The supplemental budget serves as a mid-way update to the state’s two-year 2023–25 budgets. His release precedes the start of the 60-day legislative session on January 8. Washington’s economy remains strong, allowing the state’s budgets to keep pace with inflation and increasing numbers of people using certain state services. The governor’s proposal directs additional new state revenue towards urgent needs in homelessness, fentanyl and behavioral health.

Gov. Jay Inslee met with educators last month in Auburn.

Gov. Jay Inslee met with educators last month in Auburn who said that support staff were critical to student success. The governor’s budget proposes a $3 hourly raise for paraeducators.

Inslee also proposed increases in funding for education with a focus on special education. His budget increases the special education funding cap to 17.25%, and it includes a $3 per hour raise for Washington’s 32,000 paraeducators.

His budget also includes funding for dozens of additional state troopers and new grants to support local law enforcement agencies with their recruitment efforts.

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

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People over pollution: Inslee unveils 2024 climate policies
More than 100 people gathered Monday in Seattle to support continued climate action.

More than 100 people gathered Monday in Seattle to support continued climate action and increased accountability for Big Oil.

On Monday, Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled his 2024 climate agenda that continues the state’s action to protect Washingtonians from climate change and create clean energy jobs. More than 100 students, laborers, business owners, Tribal leaders, legislators and people from communities overburdened by pollution joined to rally in support of Washington’s unwavering commitment to fighting climate change.

Inslee highlighted three policy proposals aimed at oil company accountability, strengthening the state’s cap-and-invest program, and phasing out methane gas. He also previewed how new Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funds will be put to work in neighborhoods and communities across Washington. His budget proposal includes a $200 utility bill credit that will serve 750,000 households – one-third of the state’s ratepayers.

"We're going to protect our children's lungs by converting diesel buses to electric and upgrading schools to improve air quality. We're going to make sure affordable multifamily housing has clean and efficient energy, so our most vulnerable communities can live comfortably while reducing their utility bills," Inslee said of CCA investments. "We're installing thousands of EV chargers across the state. We're partnering with communities to design and develop sustainable neighborhoods. We're enabling Tribes to decarbonize as well. And we're assisting hundreds of thousands of Washington households with their electricity bills."

Inslee and legislators also discussed legislation to bring greater transparency and accountability around how oil companies set prices. Since long before Washington’s climate policies were enacted, the West Coast and Washington have seen dramatic swings in gas prices. Oil companies have sharply raised prices at the pump while making record profits. In 2022, five oil giants made a record-breaking $200 billion in profits [ [link removed] ]. Yet, gas prices are simply a black box to consumers, allowing the oil industry to charge consumers whatever they like and keeping them tied to extraordinary spikes and dips in prices.

The swings in gas prices have a dizzying effect on consumers

The swings in gas prices have a dizzying effect on consumers. Gas prices in Washington hit a record high of $5.55 in June 2022. Prices have dropped about 90-cents since October 1.

“There are very powerful economic interests that are in the business of sucking billions of dollars out of Washingtonians and polluting the skies and destroying the future of these children,” said Inslee. “They’re wrong. They should not be able to pollute an unlimited amount in the state of Washington.”

“We’ve got to have accountability for these oil companies that are making record profits while gouging consumers at the pump,” said bill sponsor Sen. Joe Nguyễn. “If Big Oil is taking advantage of Washingtonians, they’ll be in big trouble.”

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

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I-5 Bridge Replacement Project Wins $600M Grant
The I-5 Interstate Bridge spans the Columbia River.

The I-5 Interstate Bridge spans the Columbia River and is the most-traveled connection between Oregon and Washington. (Image courtesy of Josh Kulla with the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program)

On Friday afternoon, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $600 million grant in support of the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program. Sen. Maria Cantwell called the award a federal "down payment" towards the replacement of a vital piece of infrastructure showing alarming signs of age.

"The I-5 Bridge serves as a vital commerce link for the entire West Coast. Every day, more than 131,000 vehicles and $132 million worth of freight -- the equivalent of nearly 20 percent of the goods grown and produced in Washington and Oregon -- move over this bridge," said Cantwell. "This Mega program award will be a major step forward toward strengthening the safety and efficiency of this vital interstate artery."

The award is the outcome of decades of advocacy from the state's federal delegation. Cantwell herself drafted the 'Mega' grant program in 2021 to restore critical infrastructure nationwide, and Sen. Patty Murray funded the program and pressed the Biden-Harris Administration on the importance of updating the region's most important connection between Oregon and Washington. Cantwell, Murray and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez collaborated to support the grant application. Gov. Jay Inslee was in Vancouver last month [ [link removed] ] to highlight the importance of the project.

"The importance of this federal investment cannot be overstated. We appreciate the support of our congressional delegations to convey the critical need for strong support from the federal level, and to Senator Cantwell for creating the MEGA grant program in support of projects like ours," tweeted Inslee [ [link removed] ]. "Replacing this aging bridge with a crossing that can meet the needs of all travelers for generations to come is of the highest priority. We have been working tirelessly with our Oregon partners to make clear the importance of this project for the people of both states. This grant is a significant step forward."

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News you might have missed:

Gasoline pipeline spills in Skagit County

At least 25,000 gallons of gasoline [ [link removed] ] spewed from a broken pipeline in Skagit County this week. The spill was discovered on Sunday, and crews immediately began work to contain and absorb spilled pollutants. As of Friday afternoon, crews have recovered nearly 7000 gallons of spilled gasoline and discovered at least three deceased animals whose deaths were attributable to the spill. Locals may call 1-866-616-1558 to report damages related to the spill and 1-800-22BIRDS to report affected wildlife.

Check in with a veteran over the holidays

The holidays are full of cheer for many, but it can be a challenging season for others affected by loss or depression. In his holiday message [ [link removed] ], Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Director David Puente Jr. reminds veterans that WDVA specialists are standing by to offer support. And volunteers who wish to support veterans and servicemembers can reach out to local Veteran Service Organizations or State Veterans Homes [ [link removed] ] for opportunities to connect.

Clean tech is booming in the Tri-Cities

A Richland company manufactures a potent fertilizer without potent emissions. And scientists at Washington State University’s bioproducts laboratory are pioneering research into sustainable aviation fuel. Last Friday, Gov. Jay Inslee visited the Tri-Cities [ [link removed] ] to learn from these experts and to cheer on their continued success in pushing the envelope of clean technology.

Plan your holiday travel ahead of time

If you’ll go over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house over the holidays, plan ahead with the help of the state Department of Transportation’s holiday charts [ [link removed] ]. Heavy traffic is common over holiday weekends, so consult those charts and WSDOT’s apps so you arrive before the last slice of pie is gone.

New tool connects eligible families to food benefits

Only half of Medicaid recipients eligible for the state’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program are signed up. The program is underutilized, and it might potentially help many more Washington households. This week, the state Department of Health launched a new locator tool [ [link removed] ] to help families find a local clinic to apply for benefits. WIC pays for healthy grocery items and also provides health screenings and other resources for new or expecting parents and children under five.

New program places 3,000 Washingtonians into good jobs

A recent federal grant helped the state start up the Washington Jobs Initiative pave pathways into good-paying jobs through apprenticeships and technical training. This week, the Washington Student Achievement Council announced that eight industry partners to be awarded $17 million to train and place 3,000 Washingtonians into promising jobs [ [link removed] ] in construction, healthcare, aerospace, clean technology, and other sectors.

U.S. Supreme Court to rule on medication abortion

The U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether to restrict a safe and common drug for medication abortions [ [link removed] ]. Expecting federal courts to issue obtuse, partisan rulings restricting choice, Gov. Jay Inslee ordered a stockpile of the medication in March to protect Washington state as a pro-choice sanctuary.

“Whether or not SCOTUS delivers another blow to reproductive freedom in this country, mifepristone will continue to be available in Washington for those seeking abortions,” tweeted Inslee this week. “We’ve known for decades that mifepristone is a safe and effective medication. That’s why Washington stockpiled it earlier this year when we saw Trump’s judges taking aim at it.”

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