In June, I reintroduced legislation to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission. The Northwest Straits Commission is a community-led effort to restore marine habitats in the Northwest Straits region and address local threats to marine environments with projects like restoring shellfish populations, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and promoting growth for native water and shore-based plants.

The Northwest Straits Initiative is a grassroots effort that draws its strength from community cooperation. By bringing together a diverse group of local leaders and community stakeholders, the Initiative has long been a catalyst for well-executed projects that restore marine habitat, protect Washington state's environment, and create more jobs in Northwest Washington.

A healthy environment is vital to Washingtonians' way of life and the regional economy — and that is why mitigating climate change through projects like the Northwest Straits Initiative must be a top priority. I look forward to working with members of the Washington delegation to pass this legislation to help the Commission continue its important work.

More soon,

Rick