Heck and Kilmer Announce Launch of Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus
Reflecting their commitment to preserving the health and beauty of the Puget Sound, Representatives Denny Heck and Derek Kilmer have co-founded the Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus. The caucus is the only Congressional working group devoted exclusively to promoting Puget Sound cleanup efforts, and will build on the legacy left by former Congressman Norm Dicks, a longtime advocate for the health of the Puget Sound.
Representative Derek Kilmer said, “The Pacific Northwest is a special place to live and raise a family – we need to work to keep it that way. Protecting our environment is both a moral imperative and it’s of critical importance to the economy of our region. I’m committed to carrying on Norm Dicks’ legacy of caring for Puget Sound and protecting our waters and I’m proud to partner with my friend and colleague Denny Heck in this effort.”
Representative Denny Heck said, “A healthy economy requires a healthy environment. We know this to be especially true in Washington state, where so many businesses rely on sustainable use of the Puget Sound. The Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus will be working hard to make sure all Members of Congress are aware of the importance of supporting ongoing Puget Sound cleanup efforts.”
In the immediate future, the caucus will focus on promoting the three region-wide Puget Sound recovery priorities: preventing pollution from urban stormwater runoff, protecting and restoring habitat, and restoring and re-opening shellfish beds.
Representatives Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Rick Larsen, and Suzan DelBene have also signed up as charter members of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus.