Author Archives: ericlafontaine

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Credit: Washington State Senate

Standing up for Washington families as SNAP funding resumes

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature

As many of you know, the 43-day federal government shutdown has ended. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that the spending package signed on November 12, 2025, will fund the government and restore key programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), through September 2026.

That’s good news, but the disruption the shutdown caused here in Washington will still be felt for some time.

Before reopening, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) estimated that nearly 930,000 Washington residents faced losing food assistance beginning November 1 if the shutdown persisted.

With the shutdown approaching, DSHS reported that every $1 spent on SNAP benefits generates approximately $1.54 in local economic activity. This means that if benefits were to stop, our state economy could lose more than $265 million each month in momentum.

Many Washington families — especially single parents, veterans, seniors, and rural households — faced uncertainty about whether their benefits would arrive on time or in full. Food banks, already strained by inflation and record demand, expected increases in visits.

The bottom line: although the federal funding gap is now resolved, many Washington families went through weeks of anxiety, logistical issues, and economic ripple effects. That matters for neighborhoods, businesses, and our economy.

Now that the government is reopened and SNAP funding has been restored, we must ensure the timely and complete delivery of benefits to families. The USDA indicated that most states, including Washington, should receive the funds within 24 hours of reopening, although local loading on benefit cards may vary by state.

We need to watch how it affects later stages: the period of uncertainty likely increased pressure on food banks, slowed grocery shopping, and decreased activity among small businesses. Recovery will take time.

At the state level, we should continue to strengthen emergency support systems for those who may have been temporarily affected (e.g., missing work, losing groceries, incurring increased debt), especially in rural communities and among seniors and veterans.

It’s crucial to hold Washington, D.C. accountable. Our families should not be caught in the middle of political gridlock. We must advocate for responsible budgeting, genuine safeguards so programs like SNAP aren’t used as bargaining chips, and contingency plans to prevent the next shutdown — or near shutdown — from hurting our states again.

Finally, we should use this moment as a chance to build state-level resilience: strengthen partnerships between farms, grocers, and nonprofits, promote local food production and distribution, and ensure our rural economies are less reliant on unpredictable federal funding cycles.

As your state senator, I remain dedicated to defending families, seniors, veterans, and small businesses throughout our region. Here’s what I will continue doing:

Ensure that emergency state funding (e.g., food bank support) reaches the most severely affected communities.

Partner with local leaders to build robust food security and small business stabilization partnerships across rural Washington.

Push for stronger budget-governance reforms at the federal level and ensure that essential services, such as food assistance, are never again jeopardized by partisan stalemates.

Keep you updated on how these relief efforts are progressing on the ground — what’s working, what’s falling behind, and where we need to shift.

We saw during this shutdown that Washingtonians are resilient. I know I’ve witnessed our neighbors step up, from volunteer efforts to local businesses helping food banks. But good character and community service can’t replace sound governance. We need both.

Our vulnerable families — children, seniors, veterans — should never bear the brunt of political dysfunction. Now that the shutdown is over, let’s focus on recovery, resilience, and prevention.

Thank you for staying involved and supporting your neighbors through this difficult time.

I’ll keep fighting for policies that strengthen families, boost our economy, and focus on people—not politics.

A historic milestone for Hanford and for Washington’s future

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate

Last month marked a historic milestone for Hanford — and a turning point for the Tri-Cities region that has stood at the center of America’s nuclear legacy for generations. After decades of research, construction, and collaboration, the Hanford Site has officially begun transforming liquid nuclear and chemical waste into stable, solid glass through a process known as vitrification.

For the first time, waste stored for decades in Hanford’s aging underground tanks is being safely converted into solid glass logs, utilizing extreme heat — exceeding 2,000 degrees — to immobilize hazardous materials. This is an incredible scientific and engineering achievement, and a significant step forward in one of the most complex environmental cleanups anywhere in the world.

Hanford’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant has been decades in the making. Construction began in 2002, supported by the hard work of thousands of skilled employees, engineers, scientists, and tradespeople, many of whom reside in the Tri-Cities. Their expertise and commitment made this possible.

Today, we can finally see the results of their dedication in the form of real progress toward a cleaner, safer Columbia Basin.

From the Manhattan Project to the Cold War, Hanford played a critical role in protecting our nation. But that legacy also came with challenges. For years, our region has carried the responsibility of ensuring the federal government lives up to its commitment to clean up what was left behind. This milestone shows what can happen when science, technology, and persistence come together for the good of our communities.

The vitrification process won’t eliminate radioactive waste, but it stabilizes it, making it far safer to manage and store. That means stronger protection for the Columbia River, for local agriculture and industry, and for the families who depend on this region’s natural resources.

The cleanup mission at Hanford continues to support thousands of family-wage jobs that drive our local economy and build the next generation of technical talent. These men and women, scientists, welders, operators, and engineers, are part of one of the most highly skilled workforces in the nation. Their professionalism and innovation are leading the way in safe, sustainable cleanup technologies that have global significance.

As your state senator, I’m committed to making sure the federal government keeps its promises to the people of the Tri-Cities. Washington taxpayers have invested decades into this work, and we deserve transparency, accountability, and consistent federal support to see it through.

Our local communities have done their part, and it’s time for Washington, D.C. to do its part.

This milestone is not the end of the Hanford story; it’s the beginning of a new chapter in innovation and environmental stewardship. Turning nuclear waste into glass represents one of the most advanced methods of waste stabilization in the world. It’s proof that when we invest in science and technology and keep our commitments, we can solve even the most challenging problems.

To everyone who has worked toward this day. The engineers, cleanup crews, contractors, local leaders, and advocates. I thank you. Hanford’s progress shows what can happen when a community leads with innovation, works together, and stays focused on building a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable future for all of Washington.

Stay informed about ongoing cleanup progress at Hanford and the technologies driving this historic effort by visiting Hanford.gov for project updates and community resources.

Action needed as region’s shortage of reliable energy nears crisis level, Boehnke warns

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature

OLYMPIA… Senator Matt Boehnke today issued a strong warning about the Pacific Northwest’s energy future, citing a new analysis that projects potential power shortfalls in the region during extreme conditions.

The analysis, conducted by Energy + Environmental Economics for the region’s largest utilities, models thousands of years of weather, hydropower, renewable energy, and demand scenarios. It concludes that in a dry hydropower year combined with a multi-day cold snap, the Northwest could face reliability challenges as early as 2026.

Boehnke, R-Kennewick, emphasized the urgency:

“When our region’s grid faces drought, extreme cold, and high demand at the same time, the question isn’t if we will feel the strain; it is how much we can endure,” said Boehnke. “The clock is ticking for our energy infrastructure.”

In the study scenario, the power-reliability gap is expected to be around 1,300 megawatts by 2026 and could grow to approximately 8,600 megawatts by 2030 if planned resources are delayed.

The greatest risk of an energy shortfall happens during a year with low hydropower output, a prolonged cold winter wave, and simultaneously low wind and solar production.

“We need resilient backup systems and consumer protections,” Boehnke said. “Public safety is at risk. We need mechanisms for planned load shedding and alerting, better systems for consumers, and state policies that prioritize reliability along with clean energy.”

The region is experiencing an unprecedented rise in electricity demand, driven by population growth; the expansion of data centers, artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure; the increasing adoption of electric vehicles; and the rise in air-conditioning loads.

“We need faster permitting and transmission build-out,” Boehnke said. “One of the biggest bottlenecks is getting the new generation and transmission online. We must accelerate the process, so Washington isn’t left waiting for projects while the demand surge is already here.”

“The Pacific Northwest also needs diverse, reliable power resources,” Boehnke said. “We need energy sources that remain strong when nature surprises us, including hydropower, advanced nuclear, storage, wind, solar, and cleaner natural gas.”

Boehnke highlighted that the 8th Legislative District and Tri-Cities region, where he serves, is home to leaders of significant clean-energy research and development. These include the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Energy Northwest, the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures, our higher education leaders, our union partners, and our strategic utility organizations, which are positioning Washington to be out front in modernizing the grid.

“We aren’t just observers, we are builders,” Boehnke said. “The Tri-Cities already have the talent and labs to support next-gen power. What we need now is the policy muscle.”

Boehnke concluded that the energy sector may need to accelerate investments in backup generation, storage, transmission, and demand-management programs. Policymakers must balance the state’s ambitious clean-energy goals with the practical realities of maintaining grid reliability.

Areas like the 8th, which have research and industrial energy users, are especially vulnerable to disruptions, making proactive legislative measures essential.

“We’ve been warned,” Boehnke said. “Now it’s time to act before the lights go out, costs increase, or families face a winter without the power they need. Washington can lead a smart, balanced transition, but only if we move with urgency, intelligence, and a full understanding that reliable energy is just as important as clean energy.”

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Sen. Matt Boehnke represents Washington’s 8th Legislative District and serves as the Ranking Member on the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology

Keep Washington building, says Boehnke, through support for manufacturers, more trade and less red tape

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Legislature

OLYMPIA… Although employment in Washington’s manufacturing sector is already forecast to increase over the next several years, Sen. Matt Boehnke thinks big growth is possible if lawmakers and government regulators would understand and focus on the needs of manufacturers.

“Manufacturing is how Washington builds the middle class,” said Boehnke, R-Kennewick, who recently took part in one of the Association of Washington Business (AWB) events comprising its ninth annual Manufacturing Week observance.

“From aerospace to food processing to advanced composites, more than 270,000 Washingtonians make world-class products that move through our ports to customers around the globe. We need policies that help them hire, build, and grow, not hurdles that slow them down.”

At the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 46, Boehnke joined manufacturers, port officials, and fellow lawmakers on October 1 for AWB’s State of Manufacturing address and to highlight the industry’s vital role in trade, logistics, and family-wage jobs.

He praised the annual statewide bus tour that is the centerpiece of Manufacturing Week for “putting shop floors, ports, and classrooms on the same map” and emphasizing how permitting, supply chains, workforce training, and export markets all connect to Washington’s economic health.

Boehnke’s priorities for maintaining Washington’s competitiveness include streamlining permitting and coordinating agencies, stabilizing taxes and fees, protecting and expanding trade, rebuilding the talent pipeline, and fulfilling the promise to manufacturers, with the goal of doubling these efforts by 2031.

“Time is money. We need predictable timelines and one-stop coordination, so a plant expansion doesn’t get stuck in an eight-month queue,” Boehnke said. “Small and mid-sized employers face death by a thousand cuts. Predictability builds confidence, and confidence drives investment.”
“Washington is one of America’s most trade-dependent states. We need modern ports, efficient freight corridors, and consistent trade policies to keep our products moving. Expanding apprenticeships, CTE, and Core Plus-style programs ensures students graduate work-ready for college, careers, or both,” Boehnke said. “We set a bipartisan goal to double manufacturing by 2031. That only happens if Olympia aligns permitting, energy, workforce, and infrastructure policies behind builders.”

Boehnke stated that Washington’s manufacturing revival relies on trust and action, not on creating new bureaucracy.

“Manufacturers aren’t asking for handouts, just a fair shot. Give them certainty, and they’ll do what they’ve always done: innovate, invest, and create jobs,” Boehnke said. “Permitting reform is job creation. When reviews stretch into years, markets and financing move on. Let’s deliver predictable, concurrent reviews and measurable timelines.”

“Trade acts as a jobs engine from the Tri-Cities to Puget Sound. Our ports connect Washington to the world, and our policies should reflect that reality,” Boehnke added. “Career-ready education in high school and community college, combined with apprenticeships, opens doors for every kid in every ZIP code.”

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Sen. Matt Boehnke represents Washington’s 8th Legislative District. He is a former small-business owner, a military veteran, and strong supporter of family-wage jobs, safe communities, and a competitive economy. He serves as the Ranking Member on the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee and is a member of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.

The Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, hosts Manufacturing Week to highlight Washington’s manufacturing sector, connecting students, families, and policymakers with modern industries, skills, and supply chains that drive the state’s economy.

Op-Ed | Don’t overlook the fundamental factors behind rising energy costs facing Washington families

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT: Washington State Senate

An August article in The Seattle Times about July’s federal energy spending reforms either downplayed or completely ignored state-government policies that are already increasing energy costs in Washington.

Despite numerous references to climate and clean energy, it remained silent about the state’s 2021 carbon-reduction policy, the Climate Commitment Act – even though the CCA has significantly increased costs in the energy sectors that most power our economy and heat many homes.

An objective analysis would have acknowledged the energy code and years of poor legislation and policy changes from Olympia that increased electricity demand and contributed to rising housing costs. These rising costs led to the passage of Initiative 2066 last November, which safeguards access to affordable, reliable natural gas by ending bans on its use, thereby helping to lower housing expenses.

I appreciated the concerns about electricity costs expressed by Joe Nguyen, former state senator and current director of the state Department of Commerce. However, the Times missed an opportunity to credit former state Sen. Reuven Carlyle for being among a majority of legislators who not only imposed the CCA but also passed the so-called Clean Energy Transformation Act in 2019. At the time, Carlyle, who was the chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, worked closely with the Inslee administration to develop this direction and pass the CCA.

The CCA has contributed to rising electricity rates by forcing utilities to abandon affordable natural gas and coal without realistic alternatives. Adding costly renewable mandates, lengthy permitting processes, and increasing demand from data centers creates a recipe for higher prices.

As someone who represents the Tri-Cities, home to some of the most innovative energy research and development in the country, I don’t see the federal government’s recent actions taking clean energy away; instead, they restore balance.

For too long, Washington’s energy portfolio has been distorted by subsidies that favor politically connected industries while punishing others. Wind and solar developers have claimed billions in taxpayer-funded credits, yet our communities continue to face the risk of brownouts every summer.

Meanwhile, our hydropower – still one of the cleanest, most reliable renewable sources in the world – has been pushed aside in favor of experimental projects.

I predict the new approach from Washington, D.C. will equalize the competition, giving every energy source — from carbon-free nuclear and hydropower to advanced natural gas and emerging renewables — a fair shot based on reliability and affordability, rather than political favoritism.

Any suggestion that clean-energy jobs will disappear from Washington ignores reality. The Tri-Cities is ground zero for the next generation of clean, reliable power.

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, researchers are pioneering grid-scale battery storage and advanced nuclear technology. Energy Northwest continues to operate one of the most efficient nuclear plants in the country, and local innovators are exploring small modular reactors that could supply carbon-free baseload power for decades.

Those jobs aren’t disappearing because of a tax-credit sunset; they’re growing because energy companies want technology that can keep the lights on 24/7.

In addition, the federal subsidies eliminated by Congress primarily benefited corporations, not households. A wealthy Seattle homeowner who could afford $40,000 worth of solar panels might receive a $12,000 tax credit. Meanwhile, a young family renting an apartment in Pasco sees nothing. That isn’t fairness; it’s a transfer of wealth from working families to those who can already afford luxury upgrades.

Washington’s energy future must be grounded in pragmatism, not politics. Ask me about my struggle to depoliticize the process for siting energy projects, then let’s talk about the inherent weaknesses of wind and solar, especially in a state like ours.

Here’s the reality: Our region was built on hydropower, Washington is leading the way in nuclear innovation, and natural gas can be made cleaner through carbon capture. The best path forward is an “all of the above” strategy — using renewables where they make sense without penalizing other affordable, reliable resources.

Washington families deserve the whole story about what’s causing their energy bills to increase. I also hope they appreciate efforts by Republicans to restore fairness, affordability, and common sense to our energy policy.

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Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, represents Washington’s 8th Legislative District. He is the Republican leader on the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee.

Powering progress and leadership in the Western Energy Caucus

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate

As summer winds down, I’m proud to share the latest from my work as Washington’s representative in the Western Energy Caucus (WEC)—a bipartisan regional coalition addressing critical energy challenges across the West.

This June, I was honored to be selected for the inaugural WEC cohort due to my leadership in energy innovation, clean-tech workforce development, and public-private collaboration. Alongside lawmakers from 11 western states, I engaged in the Caucus’s first international policy exchange in Denmark. There, we studied cutting-edge clean energy systems—from district heating networks to carbon capture technologies. These insights are already informing how we modernize Washington’s energy infrastructure.

The WEC, initiated by the Institute for Western Energy, is an invitation-only bipartisan group of state policymakers committed to collaborating on energy policy for the West. Its mission is to foster reliable, affordable, and clean energy across the region through public-private partnerships, strategic coordination, and policy development.

The WEC’s primary focus areas are grid reliability and resiliency, western transmission needs, advanced dispatchable generation and energy storage, wildfire mitigation, and carbon management and sequestration.

These priorities reflect both pressing needs and opportunities: growing energy demand, increasing climate volatility, and the chance to catalyze tens of thousands of clean-energy jobs while cutting costs and emissions.

The WEC will convene two more policy summits this year, where members will collaboratively craft model legislation, regional strategies, and best-practice frameworks to support state legislatures—including Washington’s—in advancing clean-energy solutions in 2026.

Why does this matter for Washington and the 8th District?

Local innovation and global inspiration. Exporting lessons from Denmark’s energy systems can accelerate our shift toward resilient and low-cost infrastructure here at home.

Economic and job growth. By championing a modern energy economy, we can drive job creation across Eastern Washington’s clean-tech, engineering, and construction sectors.

Regional leadership. As part of WEC, Washington, and especially the Tri-Cities area, has a voice in shaping broader Western energy policy, ensuring our region’s interests are front and center.

Strategic collaboration. This is collaboration in action—across states, parties, and sectors—to address energy and climate challenges with solutions that benefit people, businesses, and communities.

As your senator, I’m fully committed to leveraging the Western Energy Caucus to promote pragmatic, long-term energy strategies that build a more resilient and affordable future. Whether through enhanced grid resiliency, smarter transmission planning, or cleaner energy investments, we’re working to ensure Washington rises to meet the challenges and opportunities of our time.

Leading the charge with the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate

I’m honored to participate in the Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Conference this September, joining fellow policymakers as a featured speaker in the “Leading from the Legislature: Hydrogen Policy Champions” session.

The Renewable Hydrogen Alliance is a respected coalition advocating for renewable hydrogen, emissions-free fuel produced by splitting water using renewable electricity like wind, solar, and hydropower. Their mission is to advance clean energy beyond the electric grid through policy advocacy, regulatory outreach, and education of legislators, regulators, environmental groups, and industry stakeholders.

The Alliance champions state-level legislative wins that directly benefit the renewable hydrogen sector, such as enabling public utilities to produce and sell renewable hydrogen, incorporating hydrogen into clean energy compliance, and supporting fuel-cell vehicle incentives.

The Alliance also connects members across utilities, clean-tech developers, transportation groups, tribal communities, and policymakers—creating a collaborative platform to build a region-wide hydrogen economy.

As a speaker, I plan to share how Washington can lead in hydrogen innovation while maintaining legislative oversight and accountability. RHA’s principles, like building workforce development, ensuring equity, and promoting clean transportation, align closely with my focus on responsible, economically beneficial policy.

Together with industry and policy leaders, we’re shaping a future where renewable hydrogen powers our economy, supporting industries, rural communities, and environmental stewardship across the Northwest.

I’ll keep you updated on our progress following the conference and how these developments can translate into real gains for our district and state.

Clearing the skies as a champion of sustainable aviation fuels

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate

As part of my ongoing efforts in the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, I’ve been actively supporting sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which are a critical tool for both environmental stewardship and economic growth across Washington.

Earlier this year, I co-sponsored ESSB 5447, which was signed into law in July, laying the groundwork to scale SAF in our state. It codified the Alternative Jet Fuels Work Group and established tax incentives, including a preferential B&O tax rate of 0.275% and credits for SAF sales. The incentives are set to begin when in-state production reaches 20 million gallons annually.

Building on that foundation, SB 5601, a bipartisan initiative, advanced to the Senate Ways & Means Committee during the 2025 legislative session. This bill would create a competitive SAF infrastructure grant program and task the Department of Ecology with developing programmatic environmental impact statements to streamline production expansion. I expect this bill regain traction during the 2026 session.

Just this February, the State awarded a $1.5 million grant to SkyNRG Americas, supporting the planned SAF facility at Port of Walla Walla’s Wallula Gap site. Project Wigeon aims to produce 50 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel annually by 2029, potentially creating over 600 construction jobs and approximately 100 production jobs in the region.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels matter and offer a “drop-in” alternative to conventional jet fuel, compatible with existing infrastructure and capable of significantly reducing carbon emissions. Yet, nationwide production is falling short of ambitions, with recent analysis projecting a major shortfall in SAF by 2030 due to cost and production constraints.

Washington is at the forefront of sustainable aviation, blending policy innovation, public-private partnerships, and on-the-ground investment. My work in Olympia ensures we safeguard and build on these gains, making sure our state leads the transition in clean aviation.

Tri-Cities Students: Apply for the 2026 Legislative Internship Program

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/CREDIT/Washington State Senate

One of the most rewarding parts of serving in the Legislature is working alongside bright, motivated students who come to Olympia as part of our internship program. Each year, college students from across Washington have the opportunity to step into the heart of the legislative process, gaining real-world experience, building professional skills, and making a difference in their communities.

Applications for the 2026 session are now open.

College juniors or seniors (by January 2026) in good academic standing, attending a Washington 4-year college/university, or who are Washington residents studying out of state, are eligible. The student must earn academic credit for the internship.

The key deadlines are:

Priority deadline: October 22, 2025
Final deadline: October 29, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (no late or incomplete applications will be considered)

Applicants will need to submit:

A combined PDF including a 1-page cover letter, 1-page résumé, and 1-page essay
Unofficial transcripts
Academic reference contact information
Professional or personal reference contact information

Many of our interns say this program opened doors they never thought possible, whether in public service, law, or other professional fields. If you’re a student from Richland, Pasco, or Kennewick looking for a hands-on experience that could shape your future, I encourage you to apply.

You Can Apply here: 2026 Legislative Internship Application

I always look forward to welcoming interns from our community to Olympia. This program is more than just an internship; it’s a launchpad for future leaders. I encourage Tri-Cities students to apply and be part of the team that helps shape the future of our state.

Energy policy discussion at Tri-City Regional Chamber’s “Behind the Bill” advocacy roundtable

Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate

In early July, I spoke at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Advocacy Roundtable: Behind the Bill – How Policy Shapes Your Energy Costs—a timely forum examining how state-level decisions are directly influencing rising utility bills and the future of energy affordability in the Tri-Cities and across Washington.

The event brought together local business leaders, utility stakeholders, and policymakers for a candid and constructive discussion on energy legislation, rate impacts, and policy opportunities to ensure reliable, cost-effective power for homes and industries.

Energy policy is no longer something abstract. It’s showing up in monthly bills, gas prices, and infrastructure projects that affect every part of our lives. We need a balanced approach—one that supports innovation, protects affordability, and keeps reliability front and center.

During my presentation, I highlighted both successful and concerning legislation from the 2025 session. I warned about the long-term effects of HB 1409, which accelerates Washington’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard despite the lack of a mature biofuel market—potentially adding up to 77 cents per gallon at the pump by 2035.

I also raised red flags about several failed bills that could return in future sessions. For example, SB 5466 would have handed the state new eminent domain powers to site transmission lines, potentially overriding local authority and complicating permitting. Another bill, SB 5360, would have dramatically increased litigation and compliance costs for energy companies under new environmental enforcement standards.

On the positive side, I pointed to several bipartisan wins that support smarter energy investments, including his own legislation—SB 5445—which encourages the use of distributed energy resources to help utilities meet renewable energy targets more flexibly.

I also championed the long-overdue passage of HB 1912, which finally exempts agricultural fuels from the Climate Commitment Act, and HB 1990, which enables utilities to lower consumer costs through bond securitization during disasters or emergencies.

Additionally, I mentioned innovative proposals that didn’t pass this year but deserve renewed attention—like his SB 5091 to de-link Washington from California’s vehicle emissions standards and SB 5640, which would require proof of adequate water supply before siting new energy facilities.

The good news is we’re seeing more awareness around these issues. But we need continued engagement from communities like the Tri-Cities to Olympia. Events like this roundtable are key to keeping that conversation grounded in the real-world impacts.

As Washington continues to wrestle with the costs and complexity of its energy transition, I reaffirm my commitment to pragmatic energy solutions that protect consumers, empower innovation, and ensure a stable energy future for Eastern Washington and beyond.