Back in June, WCV announced that Rep. Upthegrove had been selected as their 2011 Legislator of the Year. In a press release, WCV mentioned the ways he championed the environment during the 2011 Legislative Session, including helping to move toward a coal-free Washington, and clearing phosphorous pollution from our lakes and rivers.
This morning Rep. Upthegrove, who chairs the House Environment Committee, formally receives his award.
While he has been a key figure in moving many of the environmental community's top issues forward in the legislature, Rep. Upthegrove has also championed local environmental issues in his South King County district. In accepting today's award, he said, "I’m proud of our work to protect the majestic Green River Gorge—and support the vision of the Green River Gorge Mountains to Valley Greenway. I’m proud of our success cleaning up toxic soil at local schools and daycares."
Previous WCV Legislators of the Year include former Rep. (now Senator) Sharon Nelson (2010), and Rep. John McCoy (2009).
