URGENT: Help Protect Clark County Resource Lands from Irresponsible Railroad Expansion
Photo from The Columbian
Support SB 5820
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
More good news for Clark County: SB 5820, introduced by Senator Adrian Cortes (D-18th District), is 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.
- Support for this bill comes from residents covering a wide range of political views and associations.
Why now?
The 2025 legislative session is only 60 days long. Our support has helped move this bill to the House Local Government Committee. 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
- Share this message with neighbors and friends who care about farmland and open space
Clark County legislators to contact:
- Representative Laurie Jinkins
- Representative Davina Duerr
- Representative Monica Stonier
- Representative Sharon Wylie
- Representative Janice Zahn
- Representative Zach Hall
- Representative Lisa Parshley
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