Another Bad Bill From Doug Ericksen (R)

Not satisfied with dumping raw sewage into the State's waters, Doug Ericksen is introducing a Bill to destroy salmon spawning habitat.

House Bill 2677 would amend several laws to allow local authorities to remove gravel from waterways without a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Under the proposed law, the removal would be allowed if it is considered to be “beneficial in reducing the impact of potential flooding.”

County government, diking districts and flood control districts would have to contact WDFW for suggestions on how to least impact fish life and except in an emergency situation, local authorities “should” remove the gravel as close as possible to dates suggested by the state regulatory agency.

Bill sponsor Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, who is sponsoring the proposed law, contends environmental regulations regarding fish habitat have prevented proper management of rivers, which poses a danger to private property when flood events occur. (source: The Chronicle - in Lewis County)

His proposal is red-meat for his ultra-right base. Although Ericksen is quoted as saying; "I want to make clear that no one wants to go out and dredge. We’re talking about scalping water beds at the low water times." the language in the bill removes WDFW's authority to regulate dredging.

Ericksens bill is nothing but an anti-environmental stunt. That's clear because there is already a bill addressing the problem that was introduced last session and is moving forward this session.

Flood and Erosion Bill Receives Wide Support
Report from washington State Farm Bureau
February 9, 2007

Olympia, WA - The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard testimony this week on flooding and erosion issues from across the state. HB 1748, sponsored by Rep. Brian Sullivan (D-Mukilteo), would require a declaration of chronic danger for people impacted by floods or erosion for two or more consecutive years. The bill would require the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue an expedited permit to prevent future damage. (source: washington State Farm Bureau, LegisLetter)

This bill has the support of the WA State Farm Bureau. The Senate version of the bill (SB 5733) is moving forward this session. Interestingly, the Senate version is sponsored by Sen. Val Stevens (R) 39th LD. She is notorious noted for her farrrrr to the right views.

(note: the 39th LD takes in a sliver of Whatcom county including Newhalem and Diablo)