OLYMPIA – Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) expanded his leadership roles in the Washington State Senate, following a vote among Senate Democrats on Thursday.
Liias will continue to chair the Senate Transportation Committee, where he has been focused on expanding sustainable transportation options that help fuel a growing economy and serve the needs of Washington families.
Liias will return to the Environment, Energy & Technology, and the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committees, two key assignments central to Washington state’s global leadership as a green energy and food producer.
“Washington voters gave us a mandate to build on the promises of the Climate Commitment Act,” Liias said, pointing to the nearly 60% support voters expressed for the state’s landmark green energy plan in the November general election with their rejection of Initiative 2117. “We have the opportunity to create more good paying jobs, reduce emissions, and keep energy affordable for Washington families.”
Senate colleagues also chose Liias, who will receive a certificate in energy policy planning this week from the University of Idaho through the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute, as chair of the Sustainable Aviation Biofuels Work Group.
Liias has served in the State Legislature since 2008, and is currently in his third Senate term representing the 21st Legislative District, which includes neighborhoods in Edmonds, Everett, Lynnwood, and Mukilteo. Liias, who co-chairs the LGBTQ Caucus, will continue to focus on LGBTQ health, community gun violence, and traffic safety in addition to energy and transportation revenue issues, in the 105-day 2025 legislative session, which begins on Jan. 13.
