HomeMy WebLinkAbout012423 FW_ Sign-on letter of support for SB 5371_HB 1145_ Protecting southern resident orcas from vessels________________________________
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Dear Commissioner Dean, Commissioner Brotherton, and Commissioner Eisenhour,
Please find attached for your consideration a sign-on letter (or letter to submit separately) expressing support for SB 5371 <https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5371&Chamber=Senate&Year=20
23> /HB 1145 <https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1145&Chamber=House&Year=2023> , Protecting southern resident orcas from vessels. The bill would establish a 1,000-yard buffer
around the endangered Southern Resident orcas for all boaters (retaining the existing exemptions for Tribal and active commercial fishing boats.) This change as recommended by Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in a recent report <https://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/02354> to the Legislature that reviewed the latest science and evaluated the effectiveness
of vessel laws passed in 2019 (see WDFW fact sheet attached for more info).
The legislation is well-supported by population need, best available science, and the need to harmonize existing rules. One perimeter for all boaters will also be easier to communicate,
comply with, and enforce.
To sign on, please email me your name, position, and organization by Sunday, January 29 at 6:00 pm.
We anticipate a public hearing as early as next week in the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee and will let you know when that is scheduled so you can also
help out by signing in pro.
Once HB 1145 is scheduled for a hearing in the House, we will repurpose and address the same letter of support to the House policy committee (no substantive changes to the text). We
may also send it to other legislators as the bill advances beyond the committees.
With deep gratitude,
Rein
Rein Attemann (he/him/his)
Puget Sound Campaign Manager
Washington Conservation Action
Phone 206.631.2625
Email rein@waconservationaction.org <mailto:rein@waconservationaction.org>
Web www.waconservationaction.org <http://www.waconservationaction.org>
1402 Third Ave., Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98101
In 2023, Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters are united under a single brand: Washington Conservation Action. Learn more here <https://wecprotects.org/news/washington-
environmental-council-and-washington-conservation-voters-are-now-washington-conservation-action/>