Saving our Salmon!
I am excited to announce that a bill I introduced, SB 5931, had its public hearing today. This bill will protect salmon from a toxic chemical known as 6ppd. Although few are aware, 6ppd is a chemical found in vehicle tires and it’s the second deadliest aquatic toxin ever studied! The substance makes its way into our waterways through road runoff and can kill our coho salmon after only a few hours of exposure.
This is a serious threat, we are spending billions of dollars to remove culverts which prevent salmon from accessing spawning areas, but the chemical is killing them before they can even make it to those culverts. We need to make sure we aren’t sabotaging our ongoing restoration efforts.
Northwest fisheries and tribes are increasingly concerned with the effects of 6ppd. We need to stand with them in demanding safe waterways for our vulnerable salmon populations. The EPA has already committed to further study of 6ppd, but Washington cannot wait for the federal government to act. We need to act now to ensure our water is safe and healthy. You can track this bill’s progress here.
Stay involved!
Remember, your voice is integral to the lawmaking process and helps guide us to shape better policy. Remote public testimony will continue to be offered — along with the return of in-person testimony for all committees — providing every Washingtonian the chance to participate no matter where they live. You can register for in-person and remote testimony here.
Contact Us
Thank you to everyone who has reached out! I’d love to continue hearing from you, and I look forward to learning more about your priorities for the upcoming year. Send me an email at Jesse.Salomon@leg.wa.gov, or give me a call at 360-786-7662.
