Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted today to reopen key federal agencies to support Washington state’s National Parks and environment. Larsen voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2019 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

The Fiscal Year 2019 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill would reopen the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency.

“The partial government shutdown has put iconic National Parks like the San Juan Island National Park and Monument at risk. Without visitor services, parks across the country have been vandalized, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properties across Snohomish County,” said Larsen. “Outdoor recreation supports an estimated 7.6 million jobs in the United States and plays a significant role in the rural economies and for local businesses in the Second District. Reopening the Department of the Interior will ensure Washington’s outdoor spaces can continue to be enjoyed by current and future generations.”

Potential Impacts to Washington’s Second District Residents

• Supports Staffing at National Parks and Wildlife Areas: The bill would reopen the Department of the Interior and ensure that National Parks like Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, North Cascade National Park and the San Juan Island National Historical Park and Monument are fully staffed, protected from vandalism and that visitors remain safe while exploring these iconic locations.

• Progresses Review of Historic Preservation Consultations on Whidbey Island: The bill would bring back furloughed Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) employees. The partial government shutdown has effectively paused the current comment period that the ACHP was leading on impacts to historic preservation from a proposed increase in EA-18G Growler operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Larsen sent a letter to Secretary Spencer calling on the Navy to fulfill its commitment to wait on issuing a final Record of Decision on Growler operations until they receive and address ACHP comments. 

• Ensures Environmental Inspections Continue: The bill would reopen the Environmental Protection Agency and ensure the continuation of inspections of drinking water systems, hazardous waste management and chemical facilities across Washington state.

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