It's a beautiful Earth Day, John.

As a small child, I fell in love with the forests, farms, and waters we are so blessed to have here in Washington. It was this love that led me to become an environmental attorney, fighting to protect these same forests, farms, and waters. Because once lost, we can never get them back again.

As we celebrate Earth Day, it's a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share to protect our environment for future generations. Our Earth may seem vast, but its resources are finite, and it's up to us to ensure they're preserved for our children and grandchildren.

As Commissioner of Public Lands, I've witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change on communities in Washington's 6th Congressional District. From devastating wildfires and increasing floods to sea level rise and drought, the challenges we face are real and urgent. That’s why I’ve worked to revolutionize our state’s wildfire response, restore 600,000 acres of forests, conserve thousands of acres of forests and farmlands, restore thousands of miles of fish and wildlife habitat, and expand clean energy on our public lands.

Saving our planet is not a question of ability but one of will and values – and I’m running for Congress to be a climate and conservation champion on Day One. I’ll continue to be a staunch advocate for addressing the everyday costs of climate change while creating good-paying jobs, protecting vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, and safeguarding the beauty of the Evergreen State for all of us.

This work is the key to a beautiful, green future for us all. As we celebrate Earth Day and recommit ourselves to that mission, I hope you'll join me.

Gratefully,

Hilary Franz