Read a Pacific Northwest, liberal perspective on world, national, and local politics. From majestic Redmond, Washington - the Northwest Progressive Institute Advocate.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Environmental committee stacked against good legislation

Just to keep us on our toes, state legislative committee assignments change with each election cycle, creating a new environment for progressive legislation every two years, either newly hostile or newly receptive. The Washington Senate’s Environment, Water and Energy committee is one whose new makeup makes it less receptive to forward-thinking environmental legislation this year, with the addition of two senators whose green records are less than stellar.

All state environmental legislation must pass through the EWE committee, which considers issues relating to water, climate change, and energy efficiency. Washington’s environmental community is expecting strong legislation this session on such big issues as a cap and invest carbon trading system, controlling storm water runoff, and making our buildings more energy efficient. Some of these concepts have broad legislative support but that support will be pointless if these bills wither and die in committee.

Senators Tim Sheldon (D-Mason County) and Brian Hatfield (D-Pacific County) are new additions to the EWE and potential obstacles to good environmental legislation. Both lawmakers received dismal lifetime scores (34% and 48%) from the Washington Conservation Voters Legislative Scorecard that put them firmly in the ranks of Republicans on green issues.

Senator Hatfield was the only Democrat to vote against the toxic toys bill last session which made Washington a national leader in eliminating toxins from products for kids, while Senator Sheldon has consistently voted against protecting Hood Canal and the Puget Sound. Both senators have local special interests to protect, agriculture and timber, but it is conceivable that compromises can be made that are agreeable to all parties.

Lawmakers must remember that they are responsible to and representing all members of their districts and weigh what is best for the common good when choosing to support or reject legislation. In particular, what is good for the environment is often good for everyone in a community, because we are all touched by the health of the environment.

Just ask Hurricane Katrina survivors whose homes felt the effects of years of shoreline degradation. We are all connected to our environment.

Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home