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  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Christine Gregoire announces appointments to Oil Spill Advisory Council

For Immediate Release: August 19, 2005

Gov. Christine Gregoire today announced the appointment of the inaugural members of the Oil Spill Advisory Council.

�While our state is a national leader in oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response, we cannot afford to be complacent,� Gregoire said. �First and foremost, we must prevent spills; and when they happen, we must respond rapidly to minimize damage. The Oil Spill Advisory Council ensures that those who live on, use and love our coastal waters can contribute to the vigilance we need to succeed.�

The council was created by an act of the state Legislature in 2005, and will reside within the Office of the Governor.

Gregoire has asked the council to build effective working relationships with their federal, state, local and industry partners, and to focus their initial work in three areas:

� Spill prevention. The governor has requested that the council look broadly at all steps in the petroleum management system, including crude oil supply and processing, oil transfers and the safety of the maritime shipping industry, and consider both regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to prevention.

� Monitoring of federal implementation of national oil spill programs. �Under current law, the federal government has a critical role in oil spill prevention and response, and we need their continued commitment to succeed,� Gregoire said.

� Identifying the amounts and sources of funding needed to maintain high-quality programs. As charged in law, the council must deliver their funding recommendations by September 2006.

The following individuals will make up the council:

Chair:
Mike Cooper of Edmonds has been appointed as chair to a term effective July 15, 2005, ending July 14, 2007. Cooper is a former legislator. While serving in the Legislature, he chaired the Fisheries, Ecology and Parks Committee and served on the Transportation, Energy and Utilities committees. Cooper is currently is a Lieutenant with the Shoreline Fire Department.

Environmental Representatives:
Kathy Fletcher of Seattle, Gerald Joyce Seattle, and Jim Davis of Olympia have been appointed to a terms effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2009. Fletcher is the executive director of People for Puget Sound. Joyce is a member of the Seattle Audubon Society. Davis is the executive director of Olympic Coast Alliance.

Commercial Shellfish Representative:
Brett Bishop of Shelton has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2008. Bishop is retired from US Navy and owns Little Skookum Shellfish.

Washington Commercial Fisheries Representative:
Nick Jones of Lopez has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2007. Jones is a commercial fisherman on Lopez Island.

Marine Recreation Representative:
H. Lee Roussel of Tacoma has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2009. Roussel is a member of Citizens for a Healthy Bay.

County Government bordering Puget Sound Representative:
Pam Bissonnette of Seattle has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2009. Bissonnette is the director of natural resources for King County.

County Government bordering Columbia River/Pacific Ocean:
Mike Doherty of Port Angeles has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2. 2009. Doherty is a Clallam County commissioner.

County Government bordering the Strait of Juan de Fuca/San Juan Islands:
Kevin Ranker of Friday Harbor has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2009. Ranker is a San Juan County commissioner.

Marine Labor Representatives:
Stuart Downer of Everett has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005 ending August 2, 2008. Downer is a business agent for Inland Boatman�s Union.

Marine Trade Interests Representative:
Captain Michael Moore of Mukilteo has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2007. Moore is the vice-president for the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association.

Oil Facilities Representative:
John Schumacher of Mt. Vernon has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2008. Schumacher is the corporate contingency planning and emergency response supervisor for Tesoro Corporation Western Regional Oil Spill Response program.

Public Ports Representative:
Phillip Bannan of Everett has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2008. Bannan is the former executive director of the Port of Everett and has served as a port commissioner since 1997.

Shoreline Interests Representative:
Phil Winberry of Clinton has been appointed to a term effective August 3, 2005, ending August 2, 2007. Winberry is a retired attorney.

Additional appointments to the council will be announced at a future date.

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