OLYMPIA — During his years of working and living on Bainbridge Island, 23rd District State Sen. Phil Rockefeller has learned the importance of keeping not only the Puget Sound, but all streams, creeks and bays connected to it, healthy. Now, through the work of two environmental committees, the Bainbridge Island Democrat intends to use that knowledge to continue improving the health of North End waterways.

Rockefeller was appointed to the position of vice chairman on the Natural Resources and Water, Energy and Environment Senate committees, which he announced on Dec. 8. Less than a week later, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced a 15-year plan to improve the Puget Sound, which Rockefeller helped create.

“I hope to be able to deal with policy and also influence the way the budget is used,” Rockefeller said. “Each committee is geared towards the different parts of improving environments in the northwest, and I’m going to work to make sure that is used in North Kitsap.”

Rockefeller has been labeled as a good role model and someone who will work hard for legislation protecting the environment, said 23rd District Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo), who has worked with him on protecting the Puget Sound.

Fellow 23rd District Rep. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island) said she also worked with Rockefeller on a more local level, and knows he will keep North End communities in mind while writing bills and policies.

“The bottom line is, we both served on the Puget Sound Partnership, and Phil helped shepherd legislation that will benefit the Puget Sound,” Appleton said. “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind he will definitely work to make the North End environmentally healthier.”

Rockefeller said he hopes to improve conditions in streams and creeks for salmon and fish, as well as better processes in place for cleaning up after a septic or sewage problems, especially considering the recent spills in Liberty Bay.

One specific environmental problem Rockefeller has been fighting against has been oil spills, Appleton said. Not only has he already worked to create better programs for reacting to oils spills, but also clearing out old derelict vessels that could cause problems the longer they stay in Davy Jones’ locker.

One of the first such vessels he helped remove was near pristine Lemolo.

Since then, stricter policies have been implemented, making it easier for cities and counties to remove derelicts.

“Oil spill legislation is very important to Phil,” Appleton said. “You will find that he will be watching oil spills very closely and working with legislation to prevent them. That will really benefit North Kitsap.”

“Phil has been a strong leader his entire career in the legislation,” Rolfes said. “We could use a strong advocate in the Legislature for the environment.”