As a water protector, my work on Clean Water Defense and River Flow Protections is off to a strong start in 2026. The year has already brought a busy slate of advocacy, hearings, and collaborations to defend the Spokane River. Here’s a look at what I’ve been working on so far:
Defending Waters at the Federal Level
I submitted comments on the proposed new federal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, emphasizing the importance of protecting rivers, streams, and wetlands across the Spokane River watershed. Strong federal protections are critical to preventing pollution, safeguarding fish habitat, and ensuring clean water for communities. Read my full comment letter here.
Recently, the EPA published a proposed Section 401 rule that would dramatically limit states’ and tribes' authority to protect waters from polluting projects under the Clean Water Act. This rule would reduce the ability to prevent watershed destruction and is inconsistent with both the Clean Water Act and binding U.S. Supreme Court precedent. I will continue advocating for our river on these proposed rule changes and will share updates as they become available.
Local Water Policy and Conservation
At the local level, I’ve been advancing water conservation practices and advocating for long-term measures to protect river flows. Most recently, I shared my perspectives with the Liberty Lake City Council, following up on the petition we shared with them at the end of last year, working to find ways communities can implement sustainable water management strategies that meet both human and ecological needs. I will continue engaging with local water purveyors and regulators to move water conservation forward across the region.
Legislation and Regional Advocacy
Collaboration is key to advancing strong water protections. I’ve been working with waterkeepers across Washington and local partners in the Spokane Environmental Policy Coalition (SEPC) to advocate for legislation and policies that strengthen protections and support sustainable practices. In late January, I attended the Eastern Washington Legislative Conference with partners from the Fig Tree and Faith Action Network, connecting with leaders and fellow advocates to learn more about how we can strengthen our movement. Later this month, I am heading to Olympia for Water Lobby Day to meet with our legislators in person. You can read more about our complete legislative agenda here, and stay tuned for post-session updates from this short but busy session!
Salmon Restoration and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council
I joined our friends at Save Our Wild Salmon to provide comments at the February 3 hearing on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s 5-year Fish and Wildlife Program, emphasizing that salmon restoration on the Columbia and Snake rivers is crucial to restoring the entire basin, including the Spokane River. Sharing perspectives from the Upper Columbia Basin is especially important, and I encourage everyone to submit their own comments to help ensure the Council hears from the communities most connected to these rivers. The public comment period remains open through March 2, and you can visit Save Our Wild Salmon for tools and guidance to submit your own written comments.
Ongoing Litigation: Industrial Permitting Appeal
In early February, I am continuing my participation in an appeal to the Pollution Control Hearings Board on the Industrial Stormwater General Permit (ISGP) to ensure that this permit adequately protects waterways from industrial pollution. While this case focuses on emerging contaminants like 6PPD, we are also advocating for policies that prevent Ecology from backsliding on existing regulations, making sure industrial stormwater protections remain strong and enforceable. This work is a critical part of defending the Spokane River against ongoing threats and maintaining progress on clean water protections.
Protecting the Spokane River requires ongoing collaboration, advocacy, and community engagement. Whether it’s submitting comments, participating in hearings, or monitoring and restoring habitats, every action matters. I’m committed to keeping the Spokane River safe, clean, and thriving for generations to come.