Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to raise awareness of Washington state’s drought and its potential impacts. He praised Washington Governor Christine Gregoire for her early action steps to prepare the state. 

Larsen’s statement on the floor:

“I rise today to bring attention to what could potentially be the worst drought season the state of Washington has experienced in nearly three decades. 

“In my district, and throughout the state, precipitation levels are hovering at or near record lows.  Mountain snow pack levels are at 26 percent of normal averages.  Many rivers and streams are flowing at levels well below normal for this time of year. 

“Unfortunately, it looks as though the worst is yet to come as the National Weather Service predicts that dry, warm weather will continue through the spring.

“If these conditions persist as predicted, the drought will have a devastating impact on our state’s agriculture, fishing and recreation industries and will increase the potential for destructive forest fires this spring and summer.

“I commend Washington Governor Christine Gregoire for her leadership and foresight in declaring a statewide drought emergency and forming a Drought Emergency Command Center. 

“This emergency declaration will allow the State Department of Ecology to provide assistance and relief, including the issuance of emergency water permits and the temporary transfers of water rights. The Emergency Command Center will work with state and local agencies to ensure that resources reach the areas that most need assistance. 

“Governor Gregoire has set an example of proactive leadership.  I look forward to working with her and my fellow members of the Washington delegation to help the people of our state through this difficult time.”  

Larsen serves on the House Agriculture Committee and its General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee which has jurisdiction over crop insurance. This makes the Congressman actively involved on a federal level in helping farm products and farmers survive disasters such as droughts.