On the recordFebruary 6, 2018
I rise today to voice my strong opposition to the Trump administration's latest move to override the will of Washington State's citizens--our fishing families, our small business owners, our environmentalists, and our outdoor enthusiasts--by opening our coastal waters to harmful oil and gas drilling. The continental waters on the west coast are one of our State's richest and most cherished national resources, sustaining communities along the Pacific Northwest for centuries and helping to define our regional culture for generations. It would be hard to overstate just how important Washington's coastal waters are to our local way of life. Many of us count on our coasts for our food or work. Washington State coasts are home to numerous seafood- and tourism-dependent communities, and they support a $50 billion maritime economy and nearly 200,000 maritime-related jobs--not to mention countless families and travelers who are seeking outdoor recreation and flock to our shores throughout the year to experience the natural beauty and sport of our iconic shorelines. To put it simply, Washingtonians don't take our healthy coasts for granted. We know that keeping our shores pristine isn't just about leisure and scenic views.…





