FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2010
Commissioner Goldmark’s statement on State Supreme Court’s decision to hear his request to compel Attorney General to represent the state’s interests
OLYMPIA – Following today’s announcement by the Washington State Supreme Court to hear his request to compel the State Attorney General to represent the state’s interests to prevent a condemnation of state land by a local utility, Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark issued the following statement:
“I am very pleased that the Supreme Court has decided to take up my case with the Attorney General. It is a critical constitutional question of whether or not the Attorney General has the discretion to make policy for issues under the purview of another statewide elected official.
I am committed to protecting our state's trust lands and fully believe that to execute the necessary fiduciary responsibilities of my office; I must receive unfiltered advice and sound legal representation from the Attorney General.”
The Court ordered oral arguments to be heard on November 18, 2010.
Past statements regarding the Okanogan PUD case appeal
June 8, 2010 – McKenna refuses to stand up for schools, Goldmark is forced to seek other options, http://bit.ly/aik3yT
June 10, 2010 – McKenna refuses to appoint Special Assistant Attorney General to protect Common School Trust lands in Okanogan County, http://bit.ly/9m6oMG
June 21, 2010 – Commissioner Goldmark files with Supreme Court to compel Attorney General to represent the state, http://bit.ly/cFysKc
DNR – managing trusts and protecting natural resources
Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR manages 2.9 million acres of state-owned trust lands, including forests, range, agricultural land, and commercial properties. Trust lands earn income to support schools, universities and other state institutions; and they help fund local services in many counties. Trust lands provide habitat for native plant and animal species, protect sources of clean water, and offer public recreation and educational opportunities statewide.
DNR is also steward of 2.6 million acres of aquatic lands, the bedlands under Puget Sound, the coast, including many beaches, and navigable rivers and natural lakes. These are managed on behalf of all Washington State citizens to protect fish and wildlife, and to facilitate commerce, navigation, and public access.
DNR also provides wildfire protection and supports the state Forest Practices Board in protecting public resources on 12.7 million acres of private and state-owned forestlands.
Media Contact: Bob Redling, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1149, bob.redling@dnr.wa.gov
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