URGENT: Help Protect Clark County Resource Lands from Irresponsible Railroad Expansion
Photo from The Columbian
Support SB 5820
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Good news for Clark County: Senator Adrian Cortes (D-18) has introduced SB 5820, a bill that fixes a serious problem created by SB 5517 in 2017 related to irresponsible railroad expansion.
SB 5517 carved out a special exception that allowed industrial development on resource lands and critical areas near a short-line railroad in Clark County — something no other county is allowed to do. SB 5820 repeals that exception and requires Clark County to follow the Growth Management Act, just like every other county in Washington.
In short: There is no valid reason for Clark County to be exempt from protecting farmland, forests, and mineral lands simply because they are “adjacent” to a railroad.
Why this matters:
- Clark County residents overwhelmingly opposed SB 5517. In a 2018 survey, roughly 80% of respondents opposed the proposed rail-related development overlays and the industrial uses they allowed.
- The policy has been unworkable. After eight years and enormous staff time, only one small overlay was approved, and it is unlikely to ever be developed.
- The railroad operator tied to SB 5517 has a documented history of unpermitted and environmentally damaging activities, leading to investigations, stop-work orders, violations, and fines from multiple agencies.
Why now?
The 2025 legislative session is only 60 days long, and this bill will move quickly. SB 5820 gives us a real chance to permanently protect Clark County’s resource lands — but lawmakers need to hear from us now.
Take action (it only takes a few minutes)
- Email, write, or call your legislators in support of SB 5820
- Thank Senator Cortes for sponsoring the bill
- Share this message with neighbors and friends who care about farmland and open space
Clark County legislators to contact:
- District 17: Sen. Paul Harris; Reps. Kevin Waters, David Stuebe
- District 18: Sen. Adrian Cortes (bill sponsor — please thank him!); Reps. Stephanie McClintock, John Ley
- District 20: Sen. John Braun; Reps. Peter Abbarno, Ed Orcutt
- District 49: Sen. Annette Cleveland; Reps. Sharon Wylie, Monica Jurado Stonier
You can email legislators using the state system or call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000.
Sample message you can copy/paste
Subject: Please Support SB 5820 – Protect Clark County Resource Lands
Dear Senator/Representative [Last Name],
I am a Clark County resident and I strongly support SB 5820 introduced by Senator Adrian Cortes. This bill restores Growth Management Act protections and safeguards our agricultural, forest, and mineral resource lands.
Please co-sponsor and vote YES on SB 5820. Thank you for representing our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City or ZIP]
Every email and every call matters. Together, we can get this done!
Thank you for taking action!
Friends of Clark County