I want to share my appreciation for our 24th Legislative District’s three state representatives — Senator Kevin Van de Wege and Representatives Steve Tharinger and Mike Chapman — for their support of a number of bills that reduce climate risks and improve public health.

First, all three voted for the Washington State Move Ahead Washington Transportation Package, SB-5974, which passed and is headed to the governor for signature. 

The bill provides significant funding for public transportation, active transportation, and transportation electrification including ferries, as well as fish passage improvements. 

Given that transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Jefferson and Clallam counties as well as in Washington state, by supporting this package our legislators are helping reduce climate risks and improve public health, while addressing social inequalities. The package also includes funding for free transit and bike education for kids, to help get the next generation out of cars and onto bikes and buses!

All three also supported SB-5042, which closed a loophole in the Growth Management Act that allowed for growth in rural landscapes, as well as HB-1099, which would have required all GMA planning counties and cities to plan for the impacts of climate change and to support that planning. While the latter ultimately did not pass, we appreciate their support.

I am proud of our legislators for continuing to show by example that rural areas support proactively addressing climate change, protecting our air quality, helping our fish, and providing us all with more options for mobility.

Cindy Jayne
PORT TOWNSEND