3/14 SB 5805, greenhouse gas, Squamish LNG, grizzlies, forage fish, net pen bans, fish rules, PS Corps, English Camp

Just in: Washington Environmental Council reports that a bill that would have fast-tracked mega-projects from gravel mines to coal export facilities (SB 5805) in Washington appears derailed for now in the State Legislature after it failed to advance before a key cutoff today.  SB 5805 would have changed a little-used provision of state law to expedite the review and permitting for projects of statewide significance.  Currently, for a project to be designated as a project of statewide significance, it has to at least provide a net environmental benefit and be supported by the local city or county government.  SB 5805 would have removed both of these requirements and allowed fast-track permitting for mega-projects like coal export facilities in Bellingham and Longview and the Pit-to-Pier gravel mine on Hood Canal.

The Washington state Senate on Wednesday advanced a measure championed by Gov. Jay Inslee to study the best practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Under the measure, an outside consultant would review both Washington state's ongoing efforts to cut carbon emissions and similar endeavors elsewhere. It would then report back to the governor and legislative leaders. As passed by the Senate, language warning of the perils of climate change was struck from the measure. Supporters say the bill would help the state reach its target of reducing 2020 greenhouse gas emissions levels to those of 1990. Jonathan Kaminsky reports. Washington Senate passes Inslee's climate bill

Controversial Indonesian billionaire Sukanto Tanoto has purchased an industrial site in Squamish for the purposes of exporting liquefied natural gas. But the self-educated entrepreneur has been criticized for environmental practices elsewhere in his $12 billion industrial empire, raising questions about his B.C. venture. Environmental watchers say Tanoto’s logging company, APRIL, has a checkered record in cutting down Indonesia’s rainforests and destroying wildlife habitat. Kent Spencer reports. Concerns over environmental track record of Indonesian billionaire planning LNG plant in Squamish  

Grizzly bear populations in southern B.C. and Alberta have plummeted to such perilous levels that they require immediate listing under the federal Species at Risk Act, the David Suzuki Foundation said in a report released Thursday. In B.C., fewer than 100 grizzlies are thought to exist in each of the Squamish-Lillooet, South Selkirk, Yahk, and Kettle-Granby regions, states the report, Securing A National Treasure. Federal protection sought to save western grizzlies  

A draft of an ecological plan that applies to West Coast fisheries has emphasized the need for management of so-called forage fish to improve salmon runs. The Pacific Fishery Management Council will consider adopting the draft fishery ecosystem plan on April 9 in Portland. The Columbian reports the goal is better fish runs on the Columbia River and other Northwest waterways. Forage fish are the small schooling species like sardines, saury and smelt that provide a crucial protein source for larger fish and other animals in the Pacific. Limiting Catch Of Forage Fish Could Help West Coast Salmon

A bill that would have allowed bans of fin-fish net pens has sunk at the state Legislature. The measure died in committee, as did the hopes of environmental activists and Island County decision-makers. Under the failed measure, counties and cities would have authority to legally ban fin-fish net pens. The bill was seen by supporters as a speedy and conclusive end to what may yet prove a lengthy and trying battle with the state Department of Ecology over the county’s recent prohibition of non-native, fin-fish net pens. Justin Burnett reports. Proposed net pen bill sinks in the Washington state Legislature  

In an unusual procedure, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is reconsidering some of the fishing regulations the nine-member panel adopted on March 1 during its rule-setting meeting in Moses Lake. Reconsideration of at least four rules is on the agenda for a conference call meeting set for Friday (March 15). Miranda Wecker, commission chair, said she wants to make sure the commissioners get all the information they need to make the proper decisions. She said the four topics sure to be discussed include rockfish retention in Puget Sound, catch-and-release fishing for sharks and regulations and seasons for sturgeon and cabezon. Rich Landers blogs. Commission to reconsider some Wash. fishing rules adopted last week

Debris from a damaged dock was cleared from Kiwanis Waterfront Park by members of Puget Sound Corps, an organization helping youth, 18 to 25, and former military veterans with job training. When they are not picking up dock pieces and other trash on Anacortes beaches, they help with restoration projects and creosote debris removal throughout the Puget Sound. The group on the Guemes Channel beach last week had been at Point Roberts removing non-native English Ivy when they were asked to come down by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Joan Pringle reports. Crew cleans up dock debris at Kiwanis Waterfront Park  

English Camp is growing, and may grow more. The National Park Service acquired 34 acres of the former Westcott Bay Sea Farms property from the Conservation Fund for about $2.5 million and is seeking to acquire 36 additional acres for $400,000 when funding can be arranged. The land has been owned since the 1960’s by the Webb family. Bill and Doree Webb purchased the property from Roche Harbor’s Tarte Family, and for a few years operated a private summer camp for boys on the site. The Webb family operated an oyster farming and marketing business on the property for more than 30 years. The present conservation plans provide for continuing operation of the oyster business on the leased tidelands and about five waterfront acres that are not part of the transaction. Steve Wehrly reports. Westcott Bay seafood farm added into fold of National Parks

Now, your tug weather--
WEST ENTRANCE U.S. WATERS STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA- 900 PM PDT WED MAR 13 2013
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON
THU
S WIND 15 TO 25 KT. WIND WAVES 2 TO 4 FT. SW SWELL 6 FT AT 10 SECONDS. RAIN.
THU NIGHT
SW WIND 5 TO 15 KT. WIND WAVES 2 FT OR LESS. W SWELL 7 FT AT 16 SECONDS. SHOWERS.
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