Inslee, Ferguson, Tribes, Coastal Businesses Speak Out Against Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan

Attorney General Bob Ferguson pledges lawsuit if plan includes Washington state

Source: Resource Media Seattle

OLYMPIA—Today, coastal and statewide elected officials, tribal and fishing industry representatives, and conservation advocates spoke in united opposition to a new federal proposal that would open Washington’s coast to oil and gas drilling for the first time in 50 years. On Jan. 4 of this year, the Trump administration released its 2019-2024 draft plan which would open up 90 percent of the nation’s coastline—including Washington’s—to oil and gas drilling.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson sent a letter today to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, opposing President Donald Trump’s proposal to allow oil and gas drilling off Washington’s coast and asking that Washington be exempted. If Washington is not removed from the plan, Ferguson warned Zinke he will file a lawsuit.

The Governor, the Attorney General, representatives from the Quinault Indian Nation, the Makah Tribe, the president of the Washington Dungeness Crab Fishermen’s Association, the mayor of Ocean Shores and the Commissioner of Public Lands spoke about Washington’s commitment to protecting a fishing, tourism and recreation economy worth millions of dollars from the threat of pollution and oil spills. They pointed to the long-term impacts from the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon disasters on fisheries and businesses. NOAA data from 2015 states that they respond to 100 oil spills in U.S. waters every year. In December, however, the Trump administration announced it will roll back federal safety rules created following the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

Jay Inslee, Governor:

“This plan threatens the health, safety and economic prosperity of our beautiful coastal communities. That’s why we are committed to doing everything in our power to make sure that Washington’s waters remain protected from offshore drilling.”

In his letter, Attorney General Bob Ferguson writes:

“On January 9, 2018, Secretary Zinke announced that he had granted an exemption to Florida, sparing that state from the risks and burdens of drilling and exploration off its shores. Every reason identified by the Secretary in announcing his decision also applies to Washington. Were the Department to grant one state an exemption without an identified process and established criteria, it would contravene the regulatory framework and processes that states rely on for fair and lawful treatment. Thus, I ask that Washington receive the same exemption as Florida, and that no drilling or exploration be considered or take place off our coast.

“If, on the other hand, the Department of Interior seeks to put Washington’s coastal communities at risk, my office will initiate litigation against the Department to protect our coast.” Contact: brionna.aho@atg.wa.gov, (360) 753-2727

Gina James, Quinault Indian Nation Business Councilmember: “The Quinault Indian Nation vehemently opposes offshore drilling off the Washington Coast. The QIN signatories of ‘The Treaty of Olympia’ were guaranteed the right to ‘take fish’ at all ‘usual and accustomed grounds and stations.’ The impact from a potential oil spill infringes on this right and will not only harm the Quinault and local economies, but the beautiful coastal environments, the aquatic sea life, and our ability to harvest our traditional foods.” Contact:  gjames@quinault.org, 360-590-0821

Larry Thevik, President, WA Dungeness Crab Fishermen’s Association: “One major oil spill can be devastating: contaminating coastlines, killing fish and wildlife, destroying livelihoods and disrupting communities. This is a risk we do not want to take, we do not need to take, and we must not take.” Contact:  thevik_rouse@yahoo.com, 360-581-3910

Chad Bowechop, manager, Makah Tribe Office of Marine Affairs:  “The Makah Tribe works to ensure the sustainability of tribal resources in perpetuity to maintain our cultural identity. Since the sustainability of these resources is wholly dependent on a healthy ecosystem, the Makah have a sovereign interest and authority to address any human activity or environmental phenomena that may directly or indirectly affect the Pacific Northwest ecosystems.” Contact: chad.bowechop@makah.com, 360- 640-0295

Crystal Dingler, Mayor of Ocean Shores:  “Our Washington coast, and the entire coast of our country, is a beautiful and productive but, fragile environment that needs our voice to be loud and clear: No offshore gas and oil exploration or drilling.”

Ocean Shores was the first city in Washington to pass a resolution against the Trump proposal. Contact:  cdingler@osgov.com, 360-581-5386

Johannes Ariens, Loge Camps, Westport, and Surfrider Foundation: “As a surfer, business owner and employer on the Washington coast the idea of offshore drilling this close to home is terrifying. My peers and I have thriving businesses that employ thousands of people, we are suppliers of some of the world’s greatest seafood, hosts to travelers who come from around the globe to enjoy our world-class recreational opportunities, and we depend on a clean and thriving coast to survive. A spill such as that in the Gulf would decimate us all and have economic impacts that reach far beyond our coastline.” Contact:  chair@seattle.surfrider.org, 206-799-3298 

Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands:  “Washington State did not ask for offshore drilling and we do not want offshore drilling. Offshore oil and gas drilling is dirty and dangerous and will further endanger our state’s aquatic resources that are already struggling with ocean acidification and warming waters.” Contact:  Carlo Davis, carlo.davis@dnr.wa.gov, 360-999-9165

Washington coastal communities power an economy dependent on the ocean. Tourism, recreation and fishing jobs are all dependent on a healthy coast:

  • In 2014, commercial (non-tribal) fisheries landed a total of 129 million pounds into Washington’s coastal ports with an ex-vessel value of $93 million.
  • Annual recreational fishing effort on Washington’s coast averaged 47,000 trips on charter vessels and another 98,000 trips on private vessels between 2003 and 2014. In 2014, trip-related expenditures for coastal recreational fishing generated over $30 million in coastal spending, supported 325 jobs in coastal counties, and contributed $17 million in labor income.
  • Shellfish aquaculture in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties provides an estimated 572 direct jobs, supports 847 total jobs, and generates $50 million in total labor income in the coastal region alone.
  • Washington residents took an estimated 4.1 million trips to Washington’s Pacific Coast in 2014, with nearly 60 percent indicating their primary purpose was for recreation. These trips generated an estimated $481 million in expenditures.
  • Recreational razor clamming generates between 275,000 and 460,000 digger trips each season and provides between $25 million and $40 million in tourist-related income to coastal communities in Washington.

BOEM’s Washington state public meeting has been postponed until further notice after their venue in Tacoma, the Landmark Convention Center, cancelled the room rental for Feb. 5. BOEM is accepting public comments on the 2019-2024 drilling proposal online through March 9. After the comments are received and environmental reviews conducted, the Proposed Program will be released, triggering another comment period. The Final Proposed Program is expected by 2019. The current plan includes six lease sales off California and one off Oregon and Washington.

The livestream of the press conference can be viewed via TVW: https://www.tvw.org/watch/?eventID=2018021102 (this link will be archived)

Helen Lucille Fenrich (1951 – 2018)

Helen Lucille Fenrich “Woman Warrior”, 66 of Tulalip, WA, went to be with her creator on January 31, 2018 with her family by her side. She was born March 29, 1951 in Everett, Washington to Elliott and Arlene Brown. She worked for the Tulalip Tribes for over 45 years in many positions advocating for our children, treaty rights, and overall best interest of all Tribal people. Her expertise as a Policy Analyst Liaison taught many who worked with her to be a fierce advocate never giving up on their battles to protect the children. She worked with three governors, Gregoire, Locke, and Inslee earning their respect. Helen’s boys, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews always came 1st! Her goal was to keep her family together, for them to be successful, and have a good life. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Alan; eight boys, Vincent Hatch, Tony Hatch, Alan Fenrich Jr., Austin Brown, Kedryn Hatch, Danny Fenrich, Tayler Hatch, and Jesse Hatch; four siblings, Carol Davis, Wayne Brown, Richard Brown, Elliot Brown Jr., three aunties, Anita “Keeta” Sheldon, Maxine Williams and Lorraine Hatch; and numerous grandchildren. She was preceded in death by numerous family members. A visitation will be held Monday, February 5, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Schaefer-Shipman with an Interfaith service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the Tulalip Gym. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m. at the Tulalip Gym with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.

Hawks and Lady Hawks wrap up regular season

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News 

Lady Hawks on a 12-game win streak entering playoffs

The Tulalip Heritage Lady Hawks wrapped up the regular season with a perfect (12-0) record within the NW1B league, which has earned them the #1 seed entering the 1B District Tournament.

During the 12-game league winning streak Heritage has outscored their opponents on average by a whopping 26 points per game. The defense has been solid, anchored by senior forward and rim protector, Deandra Grant. Helping to crash boards and becoming a rebounding machine down the stretch has been Freshman, Krislyn Parks

Offensively, this rendition of the Lady Hawks has led the league in offensive production. Senior guard, Keryn Parks, and her running mate Deandra have decimated teams with an inside-out game most teams have no answer for. Add in the surge in three-point shooting from Georgie Randall and Deachae Jones and it’s no wonder this time scores 58 points per game on average.

There has been much to celebrate with Heritage holding Senior Night the same day the Lady Hawks clinched the #1 seed for the upcoming playoffs.

Heritage will host a home game in the opening round scheduled for Thursday, February 1st vs. #8 Cedar Park Christian at 5:00p.m.

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Hawks wrap up regular season, look for deep playoff run

Coach Cyrus “Bubba” Fryberg and his coaching staff have molded the Heritage Hawks into an aggressive, up-tempo machine that can score with the best of them and lockdown on defense when necessary. The Hawks finished the regular season as by far the second best team in the NW1B, while tallying an impressive (17-3) overall record.

Their success has earned them the #2 seed entering the 1B District Tournament. With schools like Cedar Park, Lummi, and Mt. Vernon Christian on the opposite side, Heritage finds themselves in prime position to make it to the Championship game and take home the 1B crown.

During the regular season it seemed like every game had multiple players shine with big buckets or defensive prowess. The ball moves and the boys understand where there best spots are on the court. When everyone is locked in defensively, as a team they force many turnovers that get the transition game going.

Senior standouts Paul Shay, Jr., Josh Iukes, Rodney Barber, and Nashone Whitebear have all had excellent season and were recognized prior to the start of the final regular season home game. These four, along with the talented sharpshooters filling out the roster, will look to start off the postseason with a blowout victory when they host #7 Shoreline Christian on Thursday, February 1st at 6:30p.m.

Crafting With Elders

By Kalvin Valdillez, Tulalip News 

Honorary Tulalip Tribal member, Carol Kapua, has been conducting an arts and crafts class for the Tulalip Elders once a week, for nearly thirty years. Currently, a dedicated group of ladies joins her every Thursday between the hours 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to create art projects for the homebound elders of the community. The ladies also remain consistently busy throughout the course of the year making flower arrangements for various occasions, including luncheons, birthings and funerals.

“I’ve spent a lot of time out here since I was in high school. Tulalip is like a second home to me,” says Carol. “I started when we were in the old Tribal building, it was called ‘The Peoples Room.’ Since then, it’s been an ongoing thing and it’s been a really nice outing for some people who would never get out of the house otherwise.”

Carol makes sure to give her students plenty of time to complete their crafts and plans projects months in advance. Currently, the class is already preparing for Halloween and Christmas by crafting string lights out of water bottle caps. The ladies are also creating personal snowmen out of glass bottles.

“For every holiday, the people who can’t leave their home, we make them an ornament. This year they are going to get snowmen made from recycled bottles with golf balls for heads,” says Carol. “It’s just another way of recycling. All the jars are different shapes and sizes so a lot of the snowmen are unique to each person, but all of them will have a hat, scarf and buttons down the front when we’re finished.

“We have also been collecting bottle caps for Christmas and Halloween lights,” she continues. “We glue two caps together and cut a hole between them to place the lights in. There are fifty lights on a strand and two caps per light, so that’s one-hundred caps per strand. People have been really nice about collecting and dropping them off and we will happily continue to accept them until we have enough to complete the project.”

The classes are far more than just arts and crafts to these ladies. They use this time as an opportunity to create memories and share laughter with one another during the course of each four-hour class. Many of the ladies, including Carol, also participate in traditional cedar basket weaving gatherings held at the Senior Center on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

“We have fun. You can probably hear us a long ways away,” expresses Tulalip Elder and devoted crafter, Virginia Carpenter. “We enjoy making things for our homebound elders. Last year we did Christmas cards; we also do wreaths. We make the centerpieces for the tables at the yearly Elder’s Luncheon, one time we did a beach theme with driftwood and canoes. We do flower arrangements for funerals too, a lot of people donate baskets, we’re thankful for all the donations. Carol is our fearless leader, she teaches us everything we know. She’s done a lot for our elders.”

“These are some fun ladies who I’m proud to call my friends,” Carol expresses. “I think we all look forward to every Thursday. When doing this, often times you’re able to put a smile on somebody’s face because they’re getting something personal. It also puts a smile on our faces because it feels very rewarding to do things for other people. We like to give back.”

For further details, please contact the Tulalip Senior Center at (360) 716-4684.