Governor says executive orders signal agency priorities; praises Ecology appointment

During a brief question-and-answer period the Governor described recent executive orders as a way to "sharpen agencies' commitment" and as a signal to the federal government about the state's intentions on environmental protections. Asked whether his office coordinated with the governor-elect, he said he was unaware of direct coordination and that he would ask staff to check, noting, "We've been working on this for several months, even before his campaign started."

A reporter asked about a comprehensive executive order on Snake River and Columbia River protection. The Governor said such orders "can help shape agency decisions in ways sometimes it's hard to even know. But we have found them useful to sharpen agencies' really commitment to these things." He framed the order as both a guidance tool for state agencies and a message to federal partners.

On appointments, the Governor praised Casey Sixkiller's reported nomination to lead the Department of Ecology, saying Sixkiller "has done a great job" at the Environmental Protection Agency and that he has known him from work in Washington, D.C. He also praised Laura Watson's work for Recology and described the company's role in advancing elements of the Climate Commitment Act.

The Governor declined to confirm any formal coordination with the governor-elect's council on these orders, saying he would ask staff ("I'll ask Catherine") and that he was "unaware of it, at the moment." The exchange concluded with the Governor noting he was pleased with the members named to carry out the work and that the orders are intended to solidify ongoing progress.

(Source: question-and-answer at the press event.)