WHEREAS, The Puget Sound is an important environmental, recreational, and economic resource of the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Parts of the Puget Sound, such as Hood Canal, have a history of low-dissolved oxygen concentrations, which have resulted in significant fish kills and other problems for many years; and
     WHEREAS, Government agencies, community groups and other private entities, environmental organizations, and citizens of this state have expressed concern about the long-term health of Puget Sound; and
     WHEREAS, The causes and potential solutions to Puget Sound's environmental health concerns may prove complex, warranting a thorough review by the legislature of the current efforts and proposed actions related to the Puget Sound; and
     WHEREAS, The Puget Sound is a unique and special water body benefiting all of Washington's citizens, who equally share in the responsibility of stewardship;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives establish a select committee on Puget Sound for the 2007-2008 biennium to consider actions to preserve the environmental health of Puget Sound and Hood Canal and to ensure that the marine and fresh waters of Puget Sound and Hood Canal will be able to support healthy populations of native species, as well as maintain adequate water quality and quantity to support both human needs and ecosystem functions; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the select committee report legislation on these subjects out of committee with all the powers and duties of a standing committee of the House of Representatives; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the select committee consist of eight members, five Democratic and three Republican.