Environment, Energy & Technology

February 09, 2021

House Republicans testify against job-killing bill that seeks to eliminate natural gas usage in Washington state

Five Republicans who serve on the House Environment and Energy Committee spoke out Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 against House Bill 1084. The bill takes steps to accelerate the removal of natural gas from homes and buildings and would undermine the continued economic viability of natural gas utilities. Republicans said it...
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February 09, 2021

Republicans speak out in Environment and Energy Committee against bill that would accelerate removal of natural gas usage, kill jobs in Washington state

All five Republicans who serve on the House Environment and Energy Committee spoke out today against a bill that would kill jobs in Washington and could wipe out an entire industry. When House Bill 1084 was brought up for a vote, Republican committee members Reps. Mary Dye, Mark Klicker, Peter...
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December 08, 2020

Expedite Hanford cleanup with new science-driven approach

As the state legislators representing Washington’s 8th Legislative District, which includes the federal government’s sprawling Hanford Site, we have every reason to want the cleanup of Hanford to be successful. It’s been more than 30 years since Hanford’s mission officially shifted from the defense nuclear production that helped the United...
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February 14, 2020

Working to create more transparency and accountability; upcoming town hall meeting on Feb. 22

On Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10-11:30 a.m., I will be hosting a town hall meeting with Sen. Sharon Brown and Rep. Brad Klippert at the Richland Community Center (500 Amon Park Drive). The three of us will provide a brief update on this year’s 60-day session and then take your...
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February 12, 2020

Two bills sponsored by Rep. Matt Boehnke approved by House committees

Two bills sponsored by Rep. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, have been approved by the House committees tasked with reviewing them. House Bill 2593 would build on existing efforts to improve state agency accountability and performance by extending the following requirements through the year 2028: State agencies that issue permits must track...
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November 30, 2019

I asked, you responded: 2020 legislative priorities survey results

I hope you and your family have had a great Thanksgiving week full of football, food and fellowship! I’m sending this email update out tonight because election-year restrictions go into effect tomorrow. That means I won’t be able to send you another email update until session starts on January 13....
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November 08, 2019

Preparing for the 2020 session; take my legislative priorities survey!

As your state representative, it's my job to work on your behalf and help ensure the 8th District remains the best place in the state to live, work and raise a family. I'm proud of how our district is helping lead the way...
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May 31, 2019

Reps. Boehnke, Rude appointed to working group on nuclear energy, waste management issues

Reps. Matt Boehnke and Skyler Rude have been appointed to serve on the National Conference of State Legislature’s (NCSL) Nuclear Legislative Working Group. The group, which meets two times per year, provides state lawmakers from across the nation an opportunity to discuss nuclear energy and waste management policy, as well...
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May 10, 2019

Democrats pass $2 billion in tax increases on final weekend of 2019 legislative session

This year’s 105-day legislative session ended on a disappointing note, as the majority party approved $2 billion in tax increases in the dead of night before ultimately passing the 2019-21 operating budget. While it was always likely that larger Democrat majorities in the House and Senate would lead to tax...
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March 22, 2019

Town hall meeting on Saturday morning in Richland!

Tomorrow morning, Sen. Sharon Brown, Rep. Brad Klippert and I will be hosting a town hall meeting in Richland at The Arc of Tri-Cities from 9 a.m. to noon. The three of us will be providing a brief update on the legislative session, and then opening it up for questions....
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