State Dept of Health–No elevated radiation readings at this time. Continues monitoring.

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Al Bergstein

Just put out by the Washington State Department of Health. I’ll let their statement stand on it’s own without comment.

Nuclear event in Japan poses no health risk in Washington; state monitoring

OLYMPIA  – The state Department of Health is conducting ongoing air monitoring for radiation to see if the nuclear plant incident in Japan has affected radiation levels in Washington. There have been no elevated readings.

The agency’s Radiation Protection staff expects no public health risk in Washington, and the monitoring is precautionary. If the situation changes in Washington, the Department of Health will inform the public.
State health officials are monitoring the events in Japan, and are in contact with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Environmental Protection Agency. An explosion took place at the Japan reactor site Saturday.

The nuclear plant incident in the wake of the earthquake in Japan has raised concerns among some people in Washington about windblown radiation coming to our state. Air sample readings in our state remain normal. The Department of Health Radiation Protection Program doesn’t expect any change in environmental measurements taken in Washington.

Even in the event of a significant release from the reactor, radiation would be diluted before reaching our state and levels would be so low no protective action would be necessary. The state health department will continue its monitoring work as the situation in Japan develops and changes.

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Voices of the Strait showing Tuesday March 15 7PM in PT

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Al Bergstein

The Washington Native Plant Society is sponsoring a showing of Voices of the Strait, a documentary film and discussion by Al Bergstein, Tuesday, March 15, 2011 7:00 pm, Natural History Exhibit building PTMSC . Also at the showing will be Joanne Hoemueller, the Puget Sound Partnership Eco-Net coordinator for the Olympic Peninsula.

What was it like to grow up on the Olympic Peninsula in the early to middle part of the last century, a place that had so many fish the usual joke was that you could walk across the river on the backs of the fish? What have we lost, how did we lose it, and what should be done about restoring it?

Voices of the Strait, attempts to answer these questions by talking to a wide variety of people, from mill workers, fishermen, and tribal members, to name a few. This video by Port Townsend producer/director Al Bergstein (and editor of this news blog) and assisted by long time Port Angeles resident Betsy Wharton, will be shown as part of our March program. Al will follow up with a Q&A and discussion session. “Although this video is short it has the impact to drive a new conversation about restoring the body of water that sustains the North Olympic Peninsula” – Peninsula Daily News.

Questions to Dixie Llewellin at dixie AT cablespeed.com. 360 385-6432

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Documentary on water issues–Living Downstream–Tuesday March 22nd

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Al Bergstein

World Water Day, March 22, will be observed in Port Townsend, with a showing of a new film documentary — Living Downstream — 7- 9pm, Fellowship Hall, QUUF. (55 minute film plus discussion) contact Jeanette Richoux, 379-4895.

This critically acclaimed film, like the book on which it is based, documents the growing body of scientific evidence that links human health with the health of our environment. It is the personal journey of Sandra Steingraber, biologist, Ph.D., and her exploration of the causes of her own cancer at age 20. Her research has led to comparisons to Rachael Carson’s similar studies. Sandra works to identify potential carcinogens in our waters with updated technologies and other scientists. We are all "living downstream."

The United Nations international observance of World Water Day, March 22, is an initiative that grew out of UN Conferences on Environmental and Developmental concerns about clean, drinkable water rights. If you go to www.worldwaterday.org and look under events around the world you will find our event listed. Locally, there are many programs from WSU that celebrate our water sustainability — www.water.jefferson.wsu.edu. Please think about the clean water you use.

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Jefferson Cty SMP – Public Hearing later in the month…

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Al Bergstein

Put a note on your calendars, the next  SMP Public Hearing is likely to be  Monday, March 28th

By George Yount for the Olympic Peninsula Environmental News

We are now into Yogi Berra innings with the locally approved Jefferson County Shoreline Master Program.  The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners is at bat, but the Department of Ecology has thrown  some curve balls.   They have sent the county 25 required changes, 14 recommended changes, and 22 optional changes.   The Board is advising the DCD staff how to proceed.

Most of the changes are relatively minor and do not change the scope of what the BoCC approved before.  However, the Board only needs to respond to the required changes.  The key issues revolve around fin fish net pens.   DOE says the county cannot do an outright ban because they have not provided the supporting science.    It doesn’t mean the science is not there. It is.  Whatcom County has banned fin fish net pens. For the record,  it must be included in the SMP supporting documents.  To do this, the BoCC will be holding another public hearing.  on the proposed changes.  Set your calendar for Monday, March 28, 2011 in the court room.   I am guessing the time will be 6:00p.

For the past two weeks both supporters of net pens and opponents have been speaking at the Commissioners Monday morning comment period.   But these comments are not for the SMP record.  Follow the articles in the Port Townsend Leader and in the Peninsula Daily News.   For talking points, note the changes posted on the County’s DCD website.   It should be there starting next Tuesday.

The hearing will be relatively limited to the changes by the Commissioners.    For questions regarding written or oral testimony, contact George Yount at 385-0456 or  gyount@olypen.com .

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Battle over geoduck farming continues in South Sound

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Al Bergstein

This in from the South Sound..apparently the legal battle over geoduck farming needing Environmental Impact Statements is continuing in the appeal hearings. Given the controversy up here over Geoduck aquaculture, I thought you should all be aware of this. 

——————————————————————————————–

Pierce County issued a Determination of Non-Significance in May 2010 for the first application since 2006, opening the doors to intertidal geoduck feedlot expansion in Pierce County. The Case Inlet Shoreline Association and the Coalition To Protect Puget Sound Habitat have appealed this decision and the appeal will be heard starting on March 14, 2011.

The following  scientists are requesting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be completed prior to further expansion due to the significant adverse impacts:

  1.  Dan Penttila–Retired Forage Fish Expert for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (38 years).

  2.  Wayne Daley–Restoration and Fisheries Biologist

  3.  Jim Johannessen-Geomorphologist-Coastal Geologic Services

  4.  Harry Branch-Restoration and Ecosystem Consultant

  5.  Dr. Steven Gilbert–Toxicologist

  6.  Captain Charles Moore- Expert Marine Plastic Debris Expert from Long Beach, California.

Captain Moore will be holding an event in Olympia on March 16 where he will be talking about marine plastic debris and his concerns about the shellfish industry introduction of PVC, nets and plastic bands in Puget Sound.

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Washington poised to get tougher with shellfish operators

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Al Bergstein

3/1 KPLU-FM
By Austin Jenkins and KPLU News Staff

Last summer, we brought you a story about gaps in the system that’s supposed to keep Washington shellfish safe to eat. Now state lawmakers appear ready to get tougher with shellfish operators who violate food safety laws.

Early last year, Washington Fish and Wildlife cops shut down a Hood Canal shellfish harvesting operation. They allege G&R Seafood poached $500,ooo worth of oysters and clams from state and private beaches.

But Fish and Wildlife police say even after the business was raided, the company’s owner – who denies any wrongdoing – was spotted selling shellfish at fairs and other public gatherings. But Chief Deputy Mike Cenci says there was nothing his officers could do since it was G&R’s harvesting license <http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/>  that had been yanked:

More at
http://www.kplu.org/post/washington-poised-get-tougher-shellfish-operators

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Public comment meetings on Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Draft Management Plan

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Al Bergstein

Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS) will host public meetings in Port Angeles (February 23) and Forks (February 24) to hear public comment on its Draft Management Plan (DMP) and Proposed Rule (proposed changes to sanctuary regulations).  The meetings are opportunities for interested people to learn more about the DMP and Proposed Rule, speak directly to sanctuary staff, and most importantly provide sanctuary staff with ideas on how to improve the DMP.  Meetings will begin informally, with an opportunity for attendees to talk with sanctuary staff, followed by a brief introduction by George Galasso, Acting Sanctuary Superintendent.  At approximately 6:30 pm, members of the public will be provided opportunity to provide their comments and recommendations.
 
Port Angeles, February 23 6 pm to 9 pm; Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth Street, Commissioner’s meeting room (#160). (Note: the after-hours entrance to the Courthouse is via Fourth Street, to the left of the flag poles near the main courthouse entrance).
Forks, February 24 6 pm to 9 pm; Washington Department of Natural Resources Community Room, 411 Tillicum Lane. 
 
On January 14, 2011, OCNMS released a Draft Management Plan (DMP) that is largely based on recommendations developed by its Advisory Council through an intensive working group and workshop process (see http://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/AboutUs/sac/sac_actions.html).  When finalized, this management plan will serve as a guide to OCNMS management on its activities for the next 5 to 10 years.
 
Proposed revisions to OCNMS regulations (referred to as the Proposed Rule) also were developed while reviewing our existing management plan and regulations.  The DMP and proposed regulatory changes formed a framework around which OCNMS staff wrote a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) document that accompanies the DMP and Proposed Rule and includes all of the federal compliance documentation to accompany the DMP.  A January 14th Federal Register notice announced availability of the DMP, DEA and Proposed Rule for public comment (Regulation Identification Number RIN 0648-BA20). 
This notice marks the end of the development phase of the management plan and the beginning of the public review phase.  These documents provide for the public to review a tangible expression of the Sanctuary’s vision for the next five to ten years.
We encourage interested members of the public to comment on the Proposed Rule and DMP/DEA.  These documents and updated information on the management plan review process is available at our web site http://olympiccoast.noaa.gov/protection/mpr/welcome.html
All comments on the Proposed Rule and DMP/DEA be received or postmarked by March 25, 2011.
 
In addition to comment at the public meetings, you may submit comments in the following ways:
·         Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov.  Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
·         Fax: 360-457-8496, Attn:  George Galasso
·         Mail: George Galasso, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, 115 East Railroad Avenue, Suite 301, Port Angeles, WA 98362
 
For more information, email us at ocnmsmanagementplan@noaa.gov or call
360-457-6622 ext. 28.

To subscribe or unsubscribe from this listserv send an email to
ocnmsmanagementplan@noaa.gov  with the request in the subject line.

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Fishing enthusiasts testify against merging outdoor agencies

Posted on February 12, 2011 by Al Bergstein

So in a rush to save money, anywhere, State Senator Ranker and others in Olympia are racing to merge agencies. Is this merging without clear understanding of the consequences? It would seem so. I don’t really get what’s wrong with the current setup, other than the Governor and Ranker seems to think it can be streamlined without consequences. A fight seems pending… Hard to imagine this is all coming from a Democratic regime. It couldn’t be any worse coming from a Republican one it seems! What’s the difference? I certainly am having a hard time telling.

From the Kitsap Sun
OLYMPIA — Washington’s fishermen really like the state Fish and Wildlife Commission.

They really, really like it.

A crowd of mostly fishermen and fishing interests on Thursday overwhelmingly opposed Gov. Chris Gregoire’s plan to merge the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, the law enforcement and heritage functions of the Department of Natural Resources, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Recreation and Conservation Office into a new Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Their main objection: They don’t want the state Fish and Wildlife Commission to be changed from a body with legal clout to an advisory group. The commission, made up of nine members appointed by the governor, establishes policy for fish and wildlife species in the state and oversees the implementation of policies by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“I don’t think the Fish and Wildlife Commission situation is broken, and it doesn’t need to be fixed,” said Jim Tuggle of Tumwater.

Many of the more than 100 people at a hearing Thursday in front of the Senate Natural Resources and Marine Waters Committee argued that turning the Fish and Wildlife Commission into an advisory group would create the danger of the governor’s politics — not science — making decisions.

Almost all of the roughly 30 people testifying — including representatives from numerous fishing and outdoors groups — opposed the merger.

“Do not allow this merger. … Merging giant bureaucracies with different mission will be difficult,” said Norman Reinhardt, president of the Kitsap Poggie Club.

Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island and chairman of the Natural Resources and Marine Waters Committee, introduced the Senate bill. Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Bainbridge Island, is one of six co-sponsors.

Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, is the sole sponsor of the House bill.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/feb/10/fishing-enthusiasts-testify-against-merging/#ixzz1DmJRM3u5

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Nature Conservancy buys Dabob Bay land to preserve it

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Al Bergstein

2/11/11 Peninsula Daily News
QUILCENE — Dabob Natural Resource Area is being expanded, courtesy of a 17.4-acre land purchase by The Nature Conservancy.

The organization has bought property on the west shore of Dabob Bay on Hood Canal, near Quilcene, for fish-habitat management and conservation as part of the resource area.

The privately owned property was being marketed for residential development but now will be added to the mosaic of protected lands around the shoreline of Dabob Bay, also known as Tarboo-Dabob Bay, for the important salmon-spawning stream at the bay’s head, the organization said.

"To restore Puget Sound, we need clean water and healthy beaches," said Karen Anderson, the group’s Washington state director.

"By buying this property, we’re able to protect shorelines, bluffs and forests that are essential to the water quality in this natural nursery for shellfish and ultimately in Puget Sound."

The purchase price of the land was not available.

The Nature Conservancy focuses on reconnecting coastal forests and freshwater systems to the marine waters of Hood Canal and Puget Sound, the group said in a statement.

Protecting and restoring natural shorelines in Dabob Bay is key to the overall restoration of Hood Canal and Puget Sound, the group said.

The bay is one of the largest and highest-quality salt-marsh estuaries in Puget Sound and is a vital resource for orcas, chinook and chum salmon; forage fish such as sand lance and surf smelt; many species of shorebirds; and shellfish such as the native Olympia oyster — as well as commercial species.

In addition, there are six family-owned shellfish companies on the bay that support about 25 jobs, and protecting the shorelines supports those jobs, the group said.

Read more at

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20110211/news/302119976/nature-conservancy-buys-dabob-bay-land-to-preserve-it

Save local journalism…subscribe to your local newspaper!

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Lawmakers consider $30 fee for parks, forests

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Al Bergstein

Well, the poor are the losers in this proposal. Those who can’t afford to pay to come to our parks, can just stay home, apparently. This is the sad outcome of a combination of voters who think they are paying too much in taxes, so aren’t willing to pay more, and a terrible recession. Lawmakers are left with having to charge you for everything. Wonder if we will ever see a free park system again? Ideas like this usually never goes back, just continues to go up in price. Perhaps there should be a sliding scale for those who are unemployed?

2/2 Tacoma News Tribune
Lawmakers consider $30 fee for parks, forests
JORDAN SCHRADER; Staff writer

Washington’s state forests and parks may be priceless, but that isn’t keeping policymakers from floating an admission charge: $30.

That’s the cost of an annual parking pass for public lands in a proposal receiving its first hearing in the Legislature today. Those who don’t buy the “Discover Pass” would pay $10 for a single day’s visit or face a ticket.

It’s a bargain, supporters say, considering the alternative is closing off lands to the public to help the state close a $4.6 billion budget shortfall.

More at
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/02/02/1526784/30-fee-would-pay-for-parks-forests.html

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Cautionary Tale Related to Pleasant Harbor Resort Plans

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Al Bergstein

Given the latest articles done on the Pleasant Harbor Resort plans in Brinnon, we see another large resort fail to raise money for a sale.

2/3 Bellingham Herald
Sale of Semiahmoo Resort falls through; tribe not seeking buyers

JOHN STARK / THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

BLAINE – A pending sale on the Semiahmoo Resort hotel and golf course has fallen through.

Harry Chesnin, attorney for the majority owner Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, said the would-be buyers could not come up with the cash.

“It all boiled down to funding,” Chesnin said. “The potential buyer was unable to produce the funding in the time they felt allowed them to go forward.”

More at
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/02/04/1850019/semiahmoo-resort-sale-falls-through.html

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State Ecology OKs most of Jefferson County shoreline plan – PDN

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Al Bergstein

2/2 Peninsula Daily News
State Ecology OKs most of Jefferson County shoreline plan
By Charlie Bermant
Peninsula Daily News

PORT TOWNSEND — The state Department of Ecology has issued conditional approval of Jefferson County’s updated shoreline master program — taking issue with the plan’s flexible buffer zones, its ban on net-pen aquaculture and its direction for dock length.

In Tuesday’s announcement, Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant called the county’s work a “landmark effort” affecting more than 500 miles of shorelines.

Ecology’s response to the plan — called an SMP — that commissioners approved in 2009 will be discussed at the next meeting of the three Jefferson County commissioners at 9 a.m. Monday in their chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse at 1820 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.

More at
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20110202/news/302029981/state-ecology-oks-most-of-jefferson-county-shoreline-plan

See also 2/2 Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County shoreline update draws fears, criticism; commissioner defends efforts
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20110202/news/302029993/clallam-county-shoreline-update-draws-fears-criticism-commissioner

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Wash. enviros pushing fee on stormwater pollution

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Al Bergstein

Washington state environmentalists are backing a legislative proposal that would charge a fee on stormwater pollutants, including petroleum, fertilizers and herbicides.

The Associated Press

SEATTLE —

Washington state environmentalists are backing a legislative proposal that would charge a fee on stormwater pollutants, including petroleum, fertilizers and herbicides.

Senator Sharon Nelson of Vashon Island and Representative Timm Ormsby of Spokane unveiled the measure Monday. The so-called 2011 Clean Water Jobs Act would raise $100 million a year by charging a fee equal to 1 percent of a product’s wholesale value.

Read the rest of the article at:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014092728_apwastormwaterfee.html?syndication=rss

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Lobby Day February 15th in Olympia! Register now

Posted on January 30, 2011 by Al Bergstein

This year promises to be a tough year in Olympia for the environment and for every other important issue. That does not mean we should sit it out on the sidelines till things get better. It’s more important than ever for the voices of concerned citizens to be heard on the key environmental issues facing our state.

“Lawmakers need to hear from us. They hear from lobbyists all the time, people who have a ton of money to spend to influence decisions. We only have people. Turning out a big group for Environmental Lobby Day lets legislators know people want environmental protection”.

– Jessie Dye, environmental advocate for Earth Ministry

To get a taste of the day check out this video from last year’s Environmental Lobby Day.

For your convenience, we are offering bus transportation from Vancouver, Olympic Peninsula (Port Townsend/Silverdale/, Central Sound (Seattle/Bellevue), and North Sound (Bellingham/Mt. Vernon/Everett) to Olympia. And back home.

It is time to be heard!

WHEN: Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 from 8:45 am- 6:00 pm. The post lobby day reception (4:00 – 6:00 pm) will be extra special as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of People For Puget Sound!

WHERE: United Churches of Olympia

Register today.

Washington state legislators just made some — and will soon be forced to make more — ugly choices to close the $4.6 billion budget gap our state faces from in the next two years. Those choices will include more cuts to natural resource funding in all program areas, including those that protect Puget Sound. We cannot hunker down and wait until more funding becomes available before pushing for environmental initiatives.

The Environmental Priorities Coalition has an agenda that meets the needs of our state in hard times. It provides solutions that will protect our environment and put people to work at the same time to help lead us to a sustainable economy.

The four legislative priorities for 2011 provide ways to build a strong economy with a healthy environment.

1. Budget Solutions For Our Environment, sustains core environmental protections by continuing investments in parks and preservation, and requires companies and others to pay their fair share for the services they receive.
2. Coal Free Future For Washington State, will protect citizens from the dangerous poisons emitted by the TransAlta coal-fired power plant in southwest Washington. It will eliminate the health and environmental threats from the state’s largest single source of toxic mercury, air, and climate pollution.
3. Clean Fertilizers, Healthier Lakes and Rivers, is a commonsense and cost effective approach to reducing phosphorus in our waterways by restricting the sale of phosphorus lawn fertilizer in our state. It attacks the problem by eliminating this discharge before it requires the spending of millions of dollars in wastewater treatment upgrades at our industries and municipal wastewater plants.
4. 2011 Clean Water Jobs Act, will fund job-creating projects all over the state, by building clean water infrastructure that will restore our water ways.

Please help do the hard work that will make these priorities a reality. Join us to flex your political muscles this year for the sake of our Puget Sound environment. Register today for Environmental Priorities Lobby Day on Tuesday, February 15th, 2011.

See you in Olympia.

Cheers,

Rein Attemann

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A great turnout today for Voices of the Strait at Peninsula College! Thanks!

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Al Bergstein

Had a great audience turn out today at Peninsula College. Here’s the audience participation section, me taping them taping me on their cell phones. We all are film makers in today’s world. You can be too. Go tell a story!

http://vimeo.com/19276175

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New State Conservation Corps for Puget Sound

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Al Bergstein

I understand that this bill is co-sponsored by State Representative Steve Tharinger of the Peninsula as well. – editor
—
1/21/11 Skagit Valley Herald
Ranker sponsors bill to create more green jobs for vets, youth
by Staff Report

State Sen. Kevin Ranker has introduced a bill that would create about 150 green jobs for young adults and veterans in Washington. Many of these jobs could potentially come to Skagit County.

“It will be competitive,” said Ranker, D-San Juan Island. “Communities will go for federal money. Many of those restoration jobs are in Skagit County and Whatcom County.”

The legislation was sponsored by 11 state senators from both parties and would consolidate and improve the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC). The bill was requested by the commissioner of Public Lands and Department of Ecology.

Currently, veterans in the Veterans’ Conservation Corps (VCC) receive job training voluntarily and without pay. The legislation would partner the VCC and WCC to create jobs that would help clean up Puget Sound. Five percent of incoming federal dollars for the WCC would now go to the VCC so that it can create jobs.

More at
http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/ranker_sponsors_bill_to_create_more_green_jobs_for_vets_youth/

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Marine “dead zones” detailed in interactive online map

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Al Bergstein

I would caution the reader about drawing conclusions like Liam did in this article. While malfunctioning septic systems *would* contribute to this problem, and probably *do* contribute, I have not yet seen scientific evidence that they *are* the root causes in Hood Canal. And I have been watching for them for years now. It’s still good to be having septics checked (which most aren’t currently). Additionally the notion that blaming a few random spills off West Point in Seattle where billions of processed sewage is dumped into the Sound is absurd on it’s face. It’s the elephant in the room, as they say.

—–
1/24 KPLU FM
Marine “dead zones” detailed in interactive online map
By Liam Moriarty

Growing populations and increasing pollution are contributing to more and more “dead zones” in bays and oceans around the world.

Now there’s an interactive online map pinpointing more than 760 spots across the globe—including 22 in Washington – that either are dead zones or are in danger of becoming one.

Listen at
http://www.kplunews.org/post/marine-%E2%80%9Cdead-zones%E2%80%9D-detailed-interactive-online-map

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“Voices of the Strait – The Scuba View” Ties for 1st in DC!

Posted on January 23, 2011 by Al Bergstein

Cameron Little, the 18 year old graduate of Port Angeles’  High School, has tied for first place in the 18 to 24 year old category for his work on “Voices of the Strait – The Scuba View”!  Cameron was competing in a national contest for young filmmakers.  Congratulations Cameron! See his work at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF2ohYuG8DY

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Appeal filed against Nippon biomass plan – PDN

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Al Bergstein

—–
1/20 Peninsula Daily News
State appeal filed against Nippon biomass plan; foes await summer hearing on Port Townsend mill biomass upgrade
By Tom Callis
Peninsula Daily News

The second round of appeals for a biomass energy project in Port Angeles has begun, while opponents await a separate state hearing on an appeal filed in November against a biomass project proposed in Port Townsend.

Six of the seven environmental groups that lost an appeal of the shoreline substantial development permit that the city of Port Angeles gave Nippon Paper Industries USA are taking their case to the state Shoreline Hearings Board.

More at
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20110120/news/301209982/state-appeal-filed-against-nippon-biomass-plan-foes-await-summer

—-

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Peninsula lawmakers and environmental legislation

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Al Bergstein

kevin and steve meetingRecently Representatives Van De Wege and Tharinger sat down with a group of environmental activists that represented a wide range of issues on the Olympic Peninsula. In leaving, many were concerned that the words they heard during the conversation were ‘not possible’.  I posed the question to Representative Van de Wege and Tharinger, via email, as to what they saw as the environmental issues that might be supported in this session of the legislature. Here’s Kevin’s thoughts first:

“You are correct, Al,  in saying that “not possible” is a big word this session.  Any new program, law, or idea that costs state general fund dollars is “not possible” this session.  Having said all that though, I think the environmental community is sitting very well this session and with a lot of work that has the potential for some big wins.  Steve (Representative Tharinger) has a huge bill he is sponsoring that I will let him talk about, and I have co-sponsored it.  I have also co-sponsored the Rolfes bill  (an oil spill prevention bill) and Upthegrove has an additional one.  I personally am doing the prescription drug take back bill that is aimed at keeping unused prescription drugs from being thrown away and ending up in our water.  I will be working on saving state parks with some funding options, and also will be helping with a proposal to start working on turning biomass into jet fuel, which sounds very promising.  “

Steve had this to say:

One potentially big win this session would benefit both Puget Sound cleanup efforts and job creation.  I’m prime-sponsoring a bill in the House, HB 1294, that would consolidate the Washington Conservation Corps programs – currently administered by four different state agencies – under the Department of Ecology.  Within the WCC, a “SoundCorps” program would be created, which wouldn’t cost the state a dime but would enable us to possibly leverage more federal dollars for Puget Sound restoration.  “SoundCorps” crews would be made up of WCC participants, as well as veterans who would come through the Veterans Conservation Corps.  We have a lot of unemployed people in our state right now, and our veterans are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and finding the job market difficult.  Hoping to  create jobs that forward the Puget Sound Action Agenda, so that we stay on track on clean up Puget Sound by 2020.  That’s my objective with this bill, and I’m optimistic about its chances this year.
 

We will be following the work of our Representatives and Senator in the upcoming weeks.  More on the bills that are discussed above as we get details. You can also follow these bills and other legislative issues at People For Puget Sound’s web site, www.pugetsound.org 

If you are interested in coming to Olympia on February 15th and taking part in Environmental Lobby Day, also go to the People For Puget Sound web site, as they are co-sponsoring the day. Not sure what to expect? See my video on last year’s Environmental Lobby Day at http://pugetsound.org/programs/policy/lobbyday

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