Skip to Page Content

Environment

Washington state residents take great pride in our state’s
Sen. Murray and Cheryl Sonnen, from the Asotin Conservation District
Celebrating the New Wild Sky Wilderness Area
(More Photos)
tremendous natural beauty – from old-growth forests to high-altitude mountains, and from rugged coasts to low-lying salmon streams.  I believe that environmental protection and healthy natural resources are compatible with long-term economic growth.  And I’ve joined with local leaders to protect our state’s environment, enhance recreational opportunities in the region, and to promote innovative, locally based approaches.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have consistently worked to increase funding for environmental protection and resource management programs.  And as an outdoor enthusiast and a sponsor of several environmental bills, I will continue to champion legislation to keep our environment strong and healthy and enhance the quality of life for everyone in our state.

My Priorities

  • Upholding robust environmental laws to prevent future environmental degradation.
  • Supporting sensible policies to address climate change.
  • Preserving and protecting public lands.
  • Increasing environmental education and research opportunities.
  • Ensuring environmental programs receive adequate federal support. 

My Accomplishments

  • Championed the Wild Sky Wilderness Act, which was signed into law in May 2008 – the first new wilderness area in Washington state in 20 years.
  • Led efforts to increase federal support and ensure the timely cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear Site in order to protect local residents and the surrounding natural resources.
  • Worked to secure funding for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund for salmon restoration projects throughout the Pacific Coast region.
  • Supported legislation to protect our nation’s air, water, wetlands, forests, and other wilderness.
  • Worked to designate the Hanford Reach National Monument, a 51-mile, free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River and a key salmon spawning ground.
  • Helped create – and continue to support – the Northwest Straits Initiative to restore and educate citizens about vital marine ecosystems in the Puget Sound and the straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca.

....................................................................................

Recent News Releases

11/18/2009
Senator Murray Applauds Washington State Green Jobs Workforce Grants

11/5/2009
Northwest Straits Conservation Funding Passes Full Senate

11/5/2009
Pacific Salmon Restoration Program Included by Murray Passes Full Senate

10/29/2009
Murray Continues Push for Alpine Lakes Wilderness Protection at Senate Hearing

10/15/2009
WSU Power Grid Project Included in Final Version of Senate Spending Bill

More