Senator Doug Ericksen

Ericksen asks Ecology to explain about-face on stringent water quality standards EPA rejected state’s proposal in 2016, demanded punishing approach – now EPA may accept state’s proposal, and Ecology is crying foul In a letter to the state Department of Ecology, state Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, is asking the Department of Ecology to explain its flip-flop on water quality standards. Ecology... Read More...

Ecology oversteps authority in proposed water restrictions for Nooksack Basin, Ericksen says Ecology took over after local planning effort reached no agreement Early draft Imposes restrictions on water use not authorized by law Ecology should follow law, respect Legislature’s decision To see letter, click here. OLYMPIA – The Department of Ecology is reaching too far in proposed new restrictions for new household... Read More...

Legislative budgets give boost to NW Washington fair, other 42nd District projects Operating budget provides $250,000 for NW Washington Fair Capital budget provides $14 million for Bellingham waterfront cleanup Other projects include Sumas rodeo grounds, Nooksack dam removal OLYMPIA – Budgets passed by Washington lawmakers during the final hours of their 2019 legislative session provide $250,000 for the Northwest Washington Fair in... Read More...

Ericksen industrial-hemp bill signed into law  New opportunity for Washington farmers Governor signs bill quickly, making 2019 crop possible Northwest Washington is prime growing region, no irrigation needed OLYMPIA – A bill from state Sen. Doug Ericksen that gets the state into the hemp business was signed into law Friday, raising the possibility that some Washington... Read More...

Industrial hemp production gets boost under Ericksen bill Once-forbidden crop presents new opportunity for Washington farmers Establishes agricultural commodity program to regulate hemp production Federal law requires state regulation before growing can commence OLYMPIA – The Washington Legislature has given final approval to a bill that would permit large-scale industrial hemp production, turning a once-forbidden crop into a... Read More...

Fallout from Seattle’s economic boom: Ericksen on Fox Business Network Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, appeared on the Fox Business Network’s Mornings With Maria show April 24 to discuss the economic fallout of Seattle’s business-unfriendly policies. You can see this appearance by clicking here or on the video below. Read More...

Proposed water rule in Whatcom County imposes sharp restrictions on new household wells Ericksen urges Whatcom residents to offer public comment Ecology took over after local planning effort failed to reach agreement Rule imposes limits and restrictions on new household wells Public comment could help reshape proposal OLYMPIA – New water rules for Whatcom County drafted by the state Department of Ecology impose... Read More...

Billion-dollar payroll tax a bad deal for Washington, Ericksen says Plucks $1 billion a year out of economy, people’s pockets Provides meager long-term care benefit Democrats reject proposal for public vote OLYMPIA – A proposed billion-dollar payroll tax is a bad deal for the people of Washington, says Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale. The new tax would fund a new state-managed... Read More...

Who says we need a tax increase? There is a better way The following newsletter was sent to Sen. Ericksen’s subscribers April 1, 2019. To subscribe to Sen. Ericksen’s newsletters, click here. While Democrats push massive tax increases, Ericksen calls for budget caps and tax relief Taxpayer Protection Plan offers better approach As Washington enjoys record surplus, Dems propose biggest tax increase... Read More...

Sen. Ericksen and Rep. Van Werven to host telephone town hall April 8 Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, and Rep. Luanne Van Werven, R-Lynden, are holding a telephone town hall for constituents Monday, April 8 from 6-7 p.m. During the hour long community conversation, the lawmakers will answer questions and provide their perspectives on the 2019 legislative session. To participate, constituents should call (360) 209-6595. Once connected, they... Read More...