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Rep. Mary Dye introduces revised ORCA Plan

OLYMPIA — Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, has introduced an updated version of the House Republican ORCA (Outdoor Recreation and Climate Adaptation) Plan, aiming to address Washington’s pressing climate concerns while expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation.

House Bill 1288, a revision of the ORCA Plan initially introduced in 2022, would utilize revenue from the state’s Climate Commitment Act to mitigate issues such as flooding, wildfires, drought, air quality, and wastewater pollution in Puget Sound.

“The ORCA Plan offers real solutions to protect and improve Washington’s environment,” Dye said. “It would wisely invest in tangible improvements to our forests, protect our water supplies for our farms and food supply, and enhance flood control infrastructure for communities that have growing populations on flood plains.”

Dye, who serves as the ranking member of the House Environment and Energy Committee, criticized current state policies under the Climate Commitment Act, arguing they lack prioritization and fail to produce measurable results.

She said the ORCA Plan would focus on direct environmental improvements rather than solely reducing carbon emissions.

The revised plan includes investments in forest health initiatives aimed at reducing wildfires, which have become more frequent and severe due to declining snowpack and drier conditions.

The plan also emphasizes securing sustainable water supplies to mitigate drought effects, funding flood control infrastructure such as dams and levees, and improving aquatic habitats in flood-prone areas.

Additionally, the ORCA Plan would allocate resources to improve wastewater treatment facilities, particularly in Puget Sound, and expand public access to green spaces through new parks and trails.

The bill has been referred to the House Environment and Energy Committee for further consideration.

 
 

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