Environment
The Pacific Northwest is home to some of our nation’s most beautiful national forests, parks, mountains and waterways. As an avid hiker, I know firsthand that what makes living in the Pacific Northwest so special is the natural environment that surrounds us. Taking care of our natural resources and protecting our environment is critical to preserving the quality of life we cherish. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation to protect the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt Rivers and expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area in Washington State. I also introduced legislation that would protect over 14 miles of Illabot Creek – part of the Skagit River – as a wild and scenic river. Protecting our natural resources is not only good for our environment, but good for our economy as well. I will continue to make conservation a priority in Congress so that future generations will be able to enjoy the Pacific Northwest as we do today.
In order to protect our environment, we must address the challenge that climate change poses without delay. Without a doubt, climate change is a serious threat to our way of life, our economy, and our children – not to mention the future of our planet – and we need to address it now. Congress can and must do more to combat this growing and urgent threat.
More on Environment
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today praised the passage of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act (H.R. 361) as well as legislation to designate a segment of Illabot Creek in Skagit County as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (H.R. 829) in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY15 (H.R. 3979). The bipartisan bills were a part of a large package of public lands bills that were included in the NDAA after negotiations between both parties.
SEATTLE — The U. S. Geological Survey is starting to improve monitoring of Glacier Peak, a Cascades volcano in eastern Snohomish County.
It's the closest volcano to Seattle — just 70 miles northeast of the city.
The office of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene says improved monitoring will lead to better forecasting of possible eruptions. Currently, Glacier Peak has only one seismic station.
Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2014/09/24/3874990/better-monitoring-for-volcano.html?#storylink=cpy
Washington, D.C. – Today, a markup was held by the Natural Resources Committee on legislation from Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and cosponsored by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA): the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act (H.R. 361); it was passed favorably out of committee. This legislation would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Suzan DelBene, WA-01, and Rick Larsen, WA-02, praised the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement today that it will use its authority under the Clean Water Act to protect one of the world’s largest salmon fisheries in Bristol Bay, Alaska from the proposed Pebble Mine. The Bristol Bay salmon fishery supports thousands of jobs for Washington state fishers and processors.
THE Green Mountain Lookout will be preserved, under a law signed Tuesday by President Obama. Washington lawmakers worked to put this protection in place.
The fate of the U.S. Forest Service fire lookout loomed large. What began in February as a worthy effort to protect a threatened piece of Washington heritage in the Glacier Peak Wilderness took on special meaning after the devastating March 22 mudslide.
Sometimes it takes a calamity to move anything through Congress.
In the case of the Green Mountain Lookout, it took a tragedy for federal lawmakers to keep an iconic structure exactly where it is.
A bill sent to President Barack Obama this week will preserve the lookout that's long been a destination for hikers and a cherished landmark for Darrington residents.
On Monday, the glory of spring brought with it a promise kept to the people of Darrington: Washington’s U.S. House delegation shepherded and passed a Senate bill to preserve the Green Mountain lookout in the Glacier Peak National Wilderness Area.
The lookout may not heal hearts or repair a broken landscape. But it is a welcome news for a community in mourning.
DARRINGTON — It's a glimmer of hope for the future.
That is how most people in Darrington — many affected by the tragic March 22 landslide west of town — viewed the news Monday that federal legislation will allow the historic forest fire lookout atop nearby Green Mountain to remain. The law now goes to the president for his signature.
"What a relief," said Scott Morris, a member of the Darrington Historical Society. "I've lost track of how long we have been dealing with this."
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives today approved S. 404, legislation to save the Green Mountain Lookout. The authors of the companion House legislation are Representatives Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen. The Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act would protect the lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that a U.S. District Court ordered removed following a lawsuit.