Legislator of the Year

 After each legislative session, Washington Conservation Voters honors one legislator who has distinguished him or herself as a leader in advancing environmental protection.  This year, we are proud to name Senator Chris Marr of Spokane the 2008 Legislator of the Year for his tenacious pursuit of real solutions to the climate crisis.

As the Prime Sponsor for one of the environmental community Priority bills, “Local Solutions to Global Warming,” Senator Marr took on powerful special interests such as the Building Industry Association of Washington who have long opposed the Growth Management Act (GMA). Senator Marr didn’t take “no” for an answer or give in to unreasonable demands from strident business interests or entrenched local governments. His work was instrumental in ensuring Governor Chris Gregoire’s support, and because of his efforts, the bill was passed and signed into law.

This legislation utilizes the GMA as one of the tools to combat the effect of global warming pollution, marking a rare instance when we have been able to strengthen the GMA rather than having to fend off attacks and fight rollbacks of this critical protection. Senator Marr’s Herculean efforts ensured the success of this important legislation. Because of Marr’s work, local governments will be able to use the GMA as a land use tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

You can find out more about the environmental records of Senator Marr and all of his legislative colleagues when our 2007-2008 Legislative Scorecard is released later this month.