Rep. Dye to serve in leadership

POMEROY - A 9th Legislative District representative has been selected to lead Republicans on the House Environment and Energy Committee.

Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, represents Whitman, Adams, Lincoln and southern Spokane Counties, among others.

As the ranking Republican, she said she will be working on environmental policy, grown management, shoreline protection, air quality, recycling and other topics. The committee considers issues related to energy availability, production and conservation.

Dye has been the lead Republican on the committee for the past two years, and before 2021, served as assistant ranking member.

"The governor's answer to climate issues has been to place a laser focus primarily on reducing emissions. While that may be one piece of the puzzle, it's shortsighted to believe that is the only answer," Dye said. "It is essential we also look at the broader view of climate resiliency and enact solutions that complement emission reduction efforts. The coming session will give us a unique opportunity to have that conversation and address more of the major environmental and energy issues facing our state."

The 9th District lawmaker was also reappointed to serve on the House Appropriations and Capital Budget committees.

The Appropriations Committee considers the operating budget bill and related legislation, budget processes, and fiscal issues such as pension policy and compensation. The Capital Budget Committee considers the state capital budget which approves money in the state capital budget for the construction and repair of public buildings and for other long-term investments, such as land acquisitions and transfers. During the 2022 session, Dye helped secure nearly $5.5 million for projects in the 9th District, including $1.5 million for dredging the Snake River to ensure barge and riverboat access to the Port of Clarkston.

"Serving on the Capital Budget Committee provides me an opportunity to return some of our citizens' hard-earned tax dollars back home for important infrastructure and jobs across the 9th District. I am honored to be returning to this committee," said Dye.

"I also share the concerns of many taxpayers across the state who have struggled to make ends meet while spending of their tax money in the state's operating budget is boosted each year by billions. We have to get a handle on this uncontrolled government spending and insist on a responsible, fiscally prudent state budget," added Dye. "I will continue to be a watchdog on this committee for the taxpayers of our state."

Dye will begin serving her fifth term when the legislative session convenes Jan. 9.