Cindy Ryu

I chair the WA State House Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee and co-chair National Council of State Legislators’ Technology and Communications Standing Committee. AI regulatory policies are needed for key issues such as the role of data minimization in privacy regulatory frameworks, data broker registration and deletion requirements, algorithmic personalization in young people’s digital lives, chatbot laws, and “AgeTech” impacts on America’s aging population.

We must recognize opportunities for data centers to contribute to grid stability and resiliency while mitigating their impacts on ratepayers and communities, and protect local consumers’ need for power when disruptions limit the amount of available power.

We need state-level Data Center Policies in coordination with Utility Operators and National participation to: Establish guidance and oversight of sustainability practices, including reducing emissions; mitigating onsite water consumption, and reducing noise pollution; Encourage regional planning for power generation, including building national infrastructure in a way that makes sense for states and localities, nuclear power generation and valuing the grid as a national asset; and Promote best-practice cybersecurity, physical security, and supply-chain security measures to protect U.S. data center operations from foreign adversary access or compromise.

KEYWORDS: regulatory, impacts, opportunities

To build a healthier and a more sustainable future, we must continue our leadership in Climate Action, Clean Energy, and Environmental protection.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to make our clean energy transition to electrification equitable, we must improve grid reliability, reduce climate pollution, and help families afford their energy bills.

We must protect Climate Commitent Act funds.

KEYWORDS: Action, Protection, Equitable

I received a BS in Microbiology and an MBA in Operations Management and I am one of the few in the Washington state Legislature with a science background, especially when combined with business experience. Science- and Data Science-curriculum are in high demand in post-secondary institutions since they have the highest potential for better paying jobs, and so we must make sure girls and kiddos of color have an equitable access to science curriculum and trainers in K-12. I am a fan of Science on Wheels provided by the Pacific Science Center.

KEYWORDS: equitable science potential

Diaster Preparedness and Resiliency is within the jurisdiction of my committee. After a 1.5 year Office of the Insurance Commissioner task force work, I proposed establishment of an Office of Resiliency. While it did not pass, we have been steadily passing policies to be more resilient, adopt wildfire/urban interface standards, and increase investments in high tech spotting of wildfires to optimize fire fighter response. We increased the rate of pay of our National Guard members when they respond to wild fires. Unfortunately, under the current administration, our funding for resiliency planning at the Military Department has been cut. When our state’s budget outlook improves. We’re facing a 3rd year of shortfalls next year because our state has the 2nd most regressive tax system. It is especially dire with FEMA reducing its reimbursements of our major disaster response costs. In the meantime, we’re working with the OIC and insurance companies to make sure we have healthy options for property and liability insurance coverage. Commercial insurance availability and rates are still concerns, especially for schools and non-profits.

KEYWORDS: Diaster Prepardness Resiliency

I have always supported Washington’s ability to address abandoned and derelict vessels by expanding and streamlining the removal process to protect waterways, reduce environmental risks, and prevent costly cleanups by allowing faster action when vessels threaten public safety or marine ecosystems. I support our state’s co-management system with tribal nations that focuses on wild stock protection, habitat restoration, and transitioning aquaculture toward sustainable practices. We must balance economic viability with the recovery of endangered salmon and orca populations. At both local and state government, I have supported removal of culverts to open up upstream habitats. Washington state has a robust shelfish aquaculture, and so with the threats of burrowing shrimps, we have been able to get bipartisan support for economic reasons, if not environmental values. I understand the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife needs more support so I look forward to working on fisheries management using advancing science and technology.

KEYWORDS: risks, co-management, restoration