NPR: Growth Management Act protest

ANNOUNCER
What works in New Mexico won’t work in Washington. That argument is at the core of citizen protest in Chelan County against the so—called “Catron County” ordinance county commissioners want to adopt. Diane De Rooy reports.

DIANE
Some 500 counties throughout the West, including Chelan County, are considering a county ordinance based on the law in Catron County, New Mexico.

Similar legislation has already been overturned on legal challenges in Walla Walla and in Boundary County, Idaho. And even though Washington attorney general Christine Gregoire and Chelan County Prosecutor Gary Riesen have already issued statements advising against adopting the ordinance, Chelan County commissioners are moving swiftly ahead to approve it.

The Catron County ordinance model attempts to take powers away from state and federal agencies. Opponents point out that the areas affected include the Federal Clean Water Act, the Shorelines Management Act, and the state’s own Growth Management Act. In courts in Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho, and Walla Walla, Washington, these efforts to circumvent state constitutions have been found illegal.

Chelan County commissioners have already missed several deadlines for complying with the state’s Growth Management Act. Opponents see this proposed legislation as an attempt to further avoid filing a comprehensive plan.

Commissioners have called a public hearing to be held Tuesday, September 27th for citizen input regarding this proposed law. Opponents plan to marshal their resources for a public protest at that time.

For Northwest Public Radio, I’m Diane De Rooy.