Inslee issues green crab infestation proclamation

Inslee issues green crab infestation proclamation

Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency order to address the exponential increase in the European green crab population within the Lummi Nation's Sea Pond and outer coast areas. The action took place last Wednesday.

The European green crab is a globally-damaging invasive species that, if they become permanently established, will particularly harm endangered species, impact resources that are part of the cultural identity of the tribes and native peoples, and affect small businesses.

The emergency order directs the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to begin implementation of emergency measures, as necessary, to effect the eradication of or to prevent the permanent establishment and expansion of the European green crab. The order also directs the Department of Ecology to, and requests that the Department of Natural Resources and the State Parks and Recreation Commission, identify European green crab management as a high priority on their respective state-owned aquatic lands and to facilitate implementing emergency measures. Finally, the order urges the Legislature to provide additional emergency funding as requested by the WDFW as soon as possible.

The order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until rescinded.

Inslee Shares Washington's

Pandemic Story with U.S.

House COVID Committee

Almost two years to the day after the first case of the novel coronavirus in the U.S. was confirmed in Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee testified before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis about how the state has responded and the lessons learned.

"We had the [nation's] very first case on January 21st, 2020. We had our first death in America which was on February 29th," Inslee said. "We started this with no template. We didn't get to take ideas from Colorado or anywhere else. We were the first and we made some really early decisions that I think have served us well.

"Number one; we decided to follow science and the data and our public health experts, and to be very vocal against the profoundly malicious efforts to not spread the truth about this vaccine that have been so damaging. Number two, we made a valued decision that saving lives was our first priority and it should remain unwavering. Third, we made the decision that the best way we could possibly reopen our economy was to knock down the virus.

"Now the question is, did those strategies work? They worked big time and I want to talk to you about that," Inslee said.

More Equity in Hiring,

Education and Contracting

Gov. Jay Inslee rescinded Directive 98-01 on Monday, Jan. 26, ending 23 years of overly restrictive guidance on affirmative action policies in state government. The governor's replacement executive order provides updated guidance for agencies to improve equity in contracting, hiring and education while still complying with Initiative 200. That initiative was approved by voters in 1998.

The rescission of Directive 98-01 does not alter other state and federal legal requirements related to affirmative action under I-200. Agencies are required to consult with the Office of the Attorney General on how to comply with this directive and applicable laws.

The announcement coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day to further highlight the cause of equity in Washington state.

"Today, as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I am taking action to change how we achieve equity within the law in our state," Inslee said. "Achieving equal opportunity has always been foundational to our country's history and each of us bears the responsibility to stand up and keep this unalienable right for all Washingtonians. Everyone deserves a fair chance to live to the fullest - everyone."