Dear Mr. Brineman:
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for protecting the environment. It was good to hear from you.
In the last 25 years, we have made great progress in protecting our environment and reducing pollution with laws such as the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. I believe our environmental laws are generally working well. I do not favor rewriting these important statutes, but hope we can improve them so we can keep protecting our natural world and human health.
As you may know, I first introduced the Wild Sky Wilderness Act in 2002. In total the Wild Sky Wilderness Act passed the Senate four times and House two times before being signed into law on May 8, 2008. The Wild Sky Wilderness law designates 106,577 acres of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in east Snohomish County as wilderness. In the past, wilderness has primarily consisted solely of old growth forest at higher elevations. I am pleased the Wild Sky Wilderness protects higher elevation forests as well as thousands of acres of low-elevation old growth and 25 miles of streams that host threatened species of salmon, steelhead and trout. This wilderness area will protect native plants and animals and enhance recreational opportunities for the region by preserving the natural landscapes that define Washington state.
For five years, I worked to pass legislation to protect the Hanford Reach, a remarkable 51-mile stretch of the Columbia River. I was pleased that this area was officially named a National Monument by President Clinton on June 9, 2000. This designation will aid in salmon stock recovery and ensure families continue to enjoy recreational activities on the Columbia River. In addition, I am also working to restore threatened and endangered salmon stocks elsewhere in the state, and taking action to prevent other declining stocks from further deterioration.
I have consistently been opposed to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). During the Senate energy debates, I have voted against amendments to open ANWR to oil and gas exploration. ANWR consists of 19 million acres in northeast Alaska that was first designated in 1960. In 1980, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act prohibited oil and gas exploration in ANWR without Congressional authorization. I believe we need to protect this valuable wildlife habitat from development and find alternatives to our energy crisis.
Please know I have persistently been a strong supporter of efforts to address global climate change and to reduce air pollution. I believe the science now supports reducing emissions and increasing forest conservation. I support an international climate change treaty that respects the legitimate concerns of the United States and addresses the potential impacts on the earth's climate of fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, and industrial production.
As a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees, I have worked hard to ensure our public health and environmental laws are fully funded. Rest assured, I will continue to work in the Senate to protect the environment. Washington state's quality of life is greatly enhanced by strong and healthy ecosystems, and preserving these systems will continue to be a special priority for me.
Once again, thank you for contacting me and please stay in touch. As the Senate addresses environmental issues during the 111th Congress I will keep your thoughts in mind. If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please sign up for my weekly update at http://murray.senate.gov/updates.
I hope all is well in Yelm.
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