Murray, Cantwell Secure Unanimous Senate Passage of Green Mountain Lookout Bill

Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation to preserve the Green Mountain Lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness. The legislation, championed by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, would protect the lookout after a U.S. District Court judge ordered its removal back in 2012.

"The Green Mountain Lookout is more than a hiking destination," Sen. Murray said on the floor of the Senate today. "It’s part of the Pacific Northwest’s heritage. It’s a cherished historical landmark. It’s a place where parents have brought their kids for generations, to appreciate the splendor of the great outdoors in the Northwest. And it’s a place that has been a vital source of tourism-related income for the people who’ve been impacted by this deadly landslide that has struck this region."

"One little glimmer of hope"

The congresswomen underscored that the bill, if passed, would be a morale boost to a community devastated by the deadly SR 530 landslide.

Sens. Murray and Cantwell, and Rep. Suzan DelBene recently visited the town of Darrington and have been pressing for federal support for the community. While there, the legislators met with the mayor and other local officials.

"... after we finished sort of our official meeting, the mayor took us aside and told myself and Senator Cantwell and our congresswoman Suzan DelBene that the one little glimmer of hope that he thought he could provide to this community was passage of this Green Mountain Lookout bill," said Sen. Murray.

“This is a significant step forward towards saving a community treasure for the residents of Snohomish County. This scenic lookout is a destination for locals and tourists, historians and outdoor enthusiasts,” added Sen. Cantwell.

Next steps for Green Mountain Lookout bill

The Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Act (H.R. 908 / S. 404) still needs to clear the House before President Obama, who already announced his support for the legislation, could sign it into law.

The bill will now go to the House, where it could be taken up as soon as next week, according to Rep.  DelBene. Reps. DelBene and Rick Larsen, who originally introduced the bill to protect Green Mountain Lookout, have been championing the House version of the bill.

What you can do. Please take a minute and thank the legislators for their tremendous support for the Green Mountain Lookout.

• Thank Sen. Patty Murray on Facebook or on Twitter @pattymurray
• Thank Sen. Maria Cantwell on Facebook or on Twitter @CantwellPress
• Thank Rep. Suzan DelBene on Facebook or on Twitter @RepDelBene
• Thank Rep. Rick Larsen on Facebook or on Twitter @RepRickLarsen

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