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The backs of salmon ripple in the shallows of Tulalip Bay near the Tulalip Tribes’ hatchery.
This summer, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a quarter-billion dollars in funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to support Tribal salmon recovery and hatchery efforts. Those funds are starting to reach Northwestern Tribes. NOAA and federal Bureau of Indian Affairs visited Tulalip this week to tour the Tulalip Tribes’ hatcheries, where the new funds will “bring an 18th century hatchery to the latest century,” according to the Tribes’ hatchery expert, Jason Gobin.
The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized salmon recovery. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Washington in 2022 announcing the first-ever availability of federal funding towards fish passage infrastructure, financed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“The way I like to say it, the way the salmon goes, so do we,” said Inslee during the tour. “Their fates are interlocked with ours, their heritage is ours. And I’m so glad that we can now enjoy this investment by the federal government, joining the investments of the state of Washington, joining the investments of the tribe, to bring back these wonderful sources of life to the state of Washington.”
 Young members of the Tulalip Tribes perform a ceremony at the event announcing new federal funds for salmon recovery.
Washington state has also committed unprecedented resources towards salmon recovery over Gov. Jay Inslee’s term. It’s clearing stream barriers and restoring habitat. It’s passing nation-leading policies to ban toxic chemicals and improve water quality standards. Hundreds of miles of habitat have been opened for salmon, and runs are starting to rebound. The Climate Commitment Act has powered many of these efforts, funding hundreds of community-based salmon recovery projects.
KING 5: $240 million will go toward tribal salmon hatcheries across the Northwest
An efficient electric heat pump (installed with help from the Climate Commitment Act) spins quietly outside an adult family home in Walla Walla.
The state Department of Commerce announced a new program on Monday to help lower-income Washingtonians keep the lights on. The State Home Energy Assistance (SHEAP) program will apply $35 million in Climate Commitment Act funding to complement the federal Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This funding doubles the number of people who can apply for utility assistance and home efficiency improvements to up to 1.2 million Washingtonians.
SHEAP has two components: energy bill assistance and weatherization. Weatherization brings energy bills down by making homes more energy efficient through updates like new windows, insulation, and efficient electric appliances like heat pumps.
These improvements add up for big savings for Washingtonians. In Marysville, Gov. Jay Inslee met a resident whose monthly bills fell by two-thirds thanks to better insulation and ventilation. In Walla Walla, Gov. Jay Inslee met an adult family home operator who found that new heat pumps were lowering bills and helping her residents stay comfortable, providing cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter.
SHEAP is available to utility customers who make up to 80% of the area median income (AMI). In 2024, 80% of the AMI was approximately:
- $110,950 for a family of four in King County
- $78,300 for a family of four in Spokane County
- $94,400 for a family of four in Clark County
People interested in this program can find a directory of community organizations providing these services. The Washington Climate Action website lists additional rebate and saving programs.
Your insurance questions asked and answered by state experts
The latest episode of “OIC Answers,” a podcast produced by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, weighs the pros and cons of purchasing a life insurance policy. The episode introduces life insurance policies, presents experts with common questions and hypotheticals, and might help Washingtonians make the right decision for their families. Past episodes explore why car insurance rates have gone up, how to make sure you’re prepared for a natural disaster, and more.
Department of Health launches new app to support cancer survivors
The state Department of Health this week launched “Vital,” a free, new mobile app designed to support cancer survivors in Washington. The app offers guidance on coping with side effects, accessing emotional support, and more. At least 380,000 cancer survivors live in Washington state, and another 44,000 people may be diagnosed this year.
State Women's Commission launches 10-city tour to tackle gender pay equity
The Washington State Women’s Commission has embarked on a 10-city tour to address pay disparity between men and women – Washington’s wage gap is among the largest in the nation. That’s partially attributable to over-representation of men in many of the state’s core industries like tech, aviation, and manufacturing. During the commission’s Oct. 18 event in Vancouver, for example, the commission will be joined by various professional develop organizations to introduce young women to bright careers in building and manufacturing.
WSU Tri-Cities launches news 'clean energy headquarters'
Lawmakers gathered in Richland Wednesday to celebrate the opening of WSU Tri-Cities’ new Institute for Northwest Energy Futures. The institute will advance energy research and train the next generation of energy leaders. During the 2023 session, the state Legislature supported the institute’s launch with $7.7 million raised by the Climate Commitment Act. This is one of many opportunities for people to train or prepare for work in the clean energy and climate sector.
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