Fumcgreen's Blog

It’s hard times in our state, and this is reflected in the goals of the Environmental Priorities Coalition for the 2012 legislative session.  There are no big new initiatives, but a focus on maintaining existing protections, such as the Growth Management and Shoreline Management Acts, the Forest Practice Act that protects salmon and prevents flooding and landslides, and regulations to reduce contaminated run-off into Puget Sound and area lakes and rivers.  Maintaining an attractive and healthy environment attracts business to our state, brings in tourist dollars, and maintains resource-based industries such as fishing and timber.  Less than 2% of the state budget is spent on the Dept. of Natural Resources and other environmental agencies, and failure to protect our resources will cost us more in the long run.