Washington state is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Senator Murray believes there is no greater challenge facing our country and our world, and that we have to meet this moment with the urgency it demands by making bold investments to address climate change. She has consistently fought to preserve the natural beauty and wonders of Washington state for current and future generations to enjoy.
Senator Murray believes that central to all of our efforts must be a commitment to a whole-of-government approach to develop programs and policies that address the disproportionate health, environmental, economic, and climate impacts on communities that have too often been left behind.
In 2022, Senator Murray helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—historic legislation that made the largest ever climate investment in our nation’s history. Senator Murray sees the climate crisis as one that’s urgent, but also an historic opportunity to make investments in clean energy—such as solar and wind. The IRA does just that through major federal investments to rapidly decrease emissions across the entire economy. Senator Murray pushed for the IRA to make it more affordable for families and businesses across Washington state and the country to be part of the clean energy transition, including incentives for rooftop solar, electric vehicles and their chargers, electric heaters and water heaters, and energy conservation. AQUÍ is more information about the clean energy incentives available for families, businesses, and communities.
Salmon are foundational to Washington state’s economy and culture—and Senator Murray works hard to ensure that preserving and protecting fish populations and habitats are a priority at the federal level. She secured historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act for salmon recovery and ecosystem restoration programs and continues to advocate for critical funding to support salmon recovery efforts in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest through the annual appropriations process, working closely with Tribes and local officials.
Hanford workers and the Tri-Cities community sacrificed to help America win World War II and the Cold War. Senator Murray has worked hard in the U.S. Senate to ensure that the federal government meets its moral and legal obligation to safely clean up Hanford as well as similar nuclear waste sites throughout the country. She has pushed for more resources for Hanford workers and to ensure they can obtain the full benefits they’re entitled to when they’ve contracted illnesses as a result of workplace exposures. Senator Murray will always advocate for Hanford’s workers in the U.S. Senate.