Taylor named to legislative committee on water supply and drought
State Rep. David Taylor, R-Moxee, has been appointed to the Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought. The appointment was announced June 22 by House Speaker Frank Chopp.
The committee, which was established by the Legislature in 2005, comprises four senators and four representatives selected biennially. Taylor takes the seat left vacant by former 15th District Rep. Dan Newhouse, who resigned from the House in February to become director of the state Department of Agriculture.
“There are few issues that are more critical to the 15th District and the state’s agriculture industry than water resources,” said Taylor. “Dan Newhouse sponsored the legislation that led to the creation of this committee, and I am proud to have been selected to carry on his legacy and the important service the committee provides.”
Among its responsibilities the panel keeps tabs on the history, current conditions and outlook for drought, and develops plans and policies to improve the state’s preparation and drought-response programs. When drought conditions occur, the committee evaluates the agricultural, economic and environmental impacts and makes recommendations on appropriate budgetary and legislative action to address decreased water supply.
“I am grateful to my caucus leadership and the speaker for their confidence in the perspective I can bring to the table,” said Taylor. “The opportunity to work on water-related issues and to serve the interests of the agriculture community is an honor. I’m looking forward to being a strong voice for them on this important committee.”
An agriculture/land-use consultant and rancher, Taylor, 37, is the newest member of the 15th District legislative team. He was selected to replace Newhouse in the Legislature March 30.
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For more information, contact: Bill Taylor, Senior Information Officer: (360) 786-7074
