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OLYMPIA–Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, will once again serve as ranking Republican on the House Environment and Energy Committee when the Legislature convenes for the 2023 session in January. Committee assignments were released Friday in Olympia.

The committee considers issues relating to the State Environmental Policy Act, the Growth Management Act, the Shoreline Management Act, air quality, aquatic lands, oil spill prevention, recycling and solid waste, hazardous waste, toxics, and climate change. It also considers issues related to renewable energy standards and energy availability, production and conservation, and oversees the Puget Sound Partnership's activities in Puget Sound and Hood Canal.

Dye has been the lead Republican on the committee for the past two years, and before 2021, served as assistant ranking member.

"The governor's answer to climate issues has been to place a laser focus primarily on reducing emissions. While that may be one piece of the puzzle, it's shortsighted to believe that is the only answer. It is essential we also look at the broader view of climate resiliency and enact solutions that complement emission reduction efforts. The coming session will give us a unique opportunity to have that conversation and address more of the major environmental and energy issues facing our state," said Dye.

Dye noted water quality, especially in Puget Sound, remains an enormous concern to the health and safety of citizens and aquatic life.

"If we are to preserve our state's salmon population, we must first begin by stopping wastewater treatment facilities from poisoning Puget Sound with untreated sewage. Then, we can create 'salmon-safe communities' by incentivizing municipalities to enact solutions that would reduce heated stormwater drainage into salmon-bearing streams and rivers," added Dye. "I will also be working to build on the momentum of the ORCA Plan I introduced last January that would use climate commitment dollars to fund real solutions to the serious problems of flooding, wildfires, drought, and air and water quality in Washington state."

The 9th District lawmaker was also reappointed to serve on the House Appropriations and Capital Budget committees.

The Appropriations Committee considers the operating budget bill and related legislation, budget processes, and fiscal issues such as pension policy and compensation. The Capital Budget Committee considers the state capital budget which approves money in the state capital budget for the construction and repair of public buildings and for other long-term investments, such as land acquisitions and transfers. During the 2022 session, Dye helped secure nearly $5.5 million for projects in the 9th District, including $1.5 million for dredging the Snake River to ensure barge and riverboat access to the Port of Clarkston.

"Serving on the Capital Budget Committee provides me an opportunity to return some of our citizens' hard-earned tax dollars back home for important infrastructure and jobs across the 9th District. I am honored to be returning to this committee," said Dye.

"I also share the concerns of many taxpayers across the state who have struggled to make ends meet while spending of their tax money in the state's operating budget is boosted each year by billions. We have to get a handle on this uncontrolled government spending and insist on a responsible, fiscally prudent state budget," added Dye. "I will continue to be a watchdog on this committee for the taxpayers of our state."

Dye will begin serving her fifth term in office when the legislative session convenes Jan. 9.