Derek understands that climate change is here, that it’s real, and that it’s time to do something about it. He is fighting to get us to a 100% clean economy and is proud to be a defender of our clean air and water, an advocate for our National Parks, and a champion of restoring Puget Sound. That’s why he’s been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club.
As someone who grew up in our region, Derek understands how important our waters are to our region. Serving on the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Derek has successfully fought against the Trump Administration’s efforts to drill off of Washington’s coast as well as the administration’s proposed elimination of all federal funding for Puget Sound recovery and for salmon restoration. Derek is co-founder of the Congressional Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, a group of representatives focused on the restoration of Puget Sound.
Derek has been a leader in the effort to combat climate change and ocean acidification. Derek believes that it’s time for our representatives in DC to stand up to the special interests and recognize that climate change is real and requires bold action. Derek is part of the Climate Solutions Caucus and sponsored the Climate Action Now Act to prevent America’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. As a member of the Energy & Water Subcommittee of Appropriations, Derek is on the frontline advocating for increased funding for clean energy and for progress on climate change. He’s sponsored legislation called the 100% Clean Economy Act to get to economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest and to put a price on carbon.
Derek has introduced legislation to address changes in the ocean’s chemistry (known as ocean acidification) which threaten the region’s shellfish industry and fisheries. He’s also sponsored the Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act to help our region’s tribes address the impacts of climate change on their homelands.
Derek has been a champion for our parks and public lands. He fought the Trump Administration’s proposals to open up our public lands to the highest bidders. He introduced the Wild Olympics Act, which would protect our most environmentally sensitive forests and rivers on the Olympic Peninsula. Derek introduced the Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act and the National Park Service Legacy Act to address the maintenance backlog in our parks – so that our nation’s best idea survives for the next generation. For his leadership, Derek received the National Park Heritage Award from the National Parks Conservation Association.
Derek believes that economic growth and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive, and that a thoughtful approach to stewardship is a necessity for the long-term environmental and economic sustainability of our communities.