Press release:

State Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D –Des Moines) will continue to serve as chairman of the House Environment committee for the 2013 legislative session.

Every two years, committee structure and chairmanships in the state House undergo a reorganization process.

As in years past, the House Environment committee will continue to consider issues relating to air quality, aquatic lands, oil spill prevention, recycling and solid waste, hazardous waste, toxics, and climate change, as well as overseeing the Puget Sound Partnership’s activities.

Additionally – and new for the coming year – the committee will also be responsible for all energy-related issues, including renewable energy standards and energy availability, production and conservation.

“Energy and environmental issues have a lot of overlap, so this shift makes sense,” Upthegrove said. “Washington state is already a national leader in promoting energy technologies that both spur economic growth and help protect the quality of life we all cherish.”

Upthegrove is entering his seventh term in the state House, where he has chaired several committees focused on environmental issues. He is recognized for bringing together diverse coalitions to work on efforts like restoring the health of Puget Sound and protecting children from toxic chemicals, particularly through cleanup of contaminated soil at playgrounds and daycare centers in South King County.