Since being sworn in, freshmen legislator Rep. Drew MacEwen, R-Union, has made supporting the agricultural and forest industry a top priority. Four bills that impact these industries passed off the House floor this week. House Bills 1245, 1244, 1243, and 1663 all address agriculture or forestry needs; and passed with strong bipartisan support. Three of the five bills passed unanimously.

“In Mason County more than 3,800 people are employed by the forest industry. Statewide, agriculture employs about 160,000 people. Anything we can do to support the agriculture and forest industries helps our state’s bottom line. High unemployment in our state continues to be a problem and we must find a solution,” MacEwen said. “By promoting and supporting these industries we improve our economy and help get Washington working.”

The four bills help in a multitude of ways, including: conservation of roads and trails; flexibility in timber sales; extension of exemptions for the use of forest derived biomass as fuel; preservation of recreational areas; and disposal of derelict vessels which impacts the shellfish industry.

“I’m happy that we have passed bills that take positive steps to protect the environment and jobs,” MacEwen said. For more information, visit our Web site at: houserepublicans.wa.gov.

See Rep. MacEwen’s floor speech in support of House Bill 1245 at: https://youtu.be/lMWEtI4nY1Q