Ferndale Senator Prepping Legislation After Hirst Decision

A recent decision by the Washington State Supreme Court about the legality of a private wells on rural land has many in the agriculture community concerned.

Ferndale Senator Doug Erickson called the ruling a “political decision” and noted the historically an exemption has been made for agriculture use, but worries that law could be next to go.

“This puts everything into uncertainty for Washington State and we need strong legislative fixes to send clear direction to a very partisan, very biased Washington Supreme Court that we’re going to protect these private property rights and we’re going to protect agriculture in Washington State.”

Erickson plans on introducing a measure in January to clarify existing state water law and is currently looking for co-sponsors.

The fault isn’t entirely with the Supreme Court according to Erickson, and that’s why he wants to focus his efforts in house.

“The Washington State Legislature needs to step up and pass strong legislation that’s going to protect water rights for people in Washington State. At that point the Supreme Court has no place to go.”

Erickson also noted that there could be movement towards lowering the number of justices in the State Supreme Court or by moving towards regional rather than statewide voting and representation.