Jamie Pedersen
DemocraticQ1 America has a growing artificial intelligence (AI) industry, supporting cutting edge innovation and reshaping businesses, but raising concerns about education, ownership, and security. Application of AI technology has increased the demand placed on data centers, controversial for their resource use (such as water and land) and raising utility costs. What are your policy positions in regards to data centers and AI? What sources of evidence informed these policies?
I am deeply concerned by the construction of data centers that strain our electricity and water supply. I support legislation that regulates large energy use facilities, protects affordability, and continues progress toward climate goals.
In the 2026 session, I supported the removal of the sales tax exemption for data center equipment replacement and legislation to mandate emissions free-power and sustainability reports. I look forward to continuing this work in future sessions.
With artificial intelligence, I am proud that our state has become a national leader in establishing responsible safeguards for this technology. In the 2026 session, I co-sponsored the Senate companion to HB 2225, which establishes new guardrails for AI chatbots that act like friends or companions. This bill protects underage users by preventing AI from providing information about suicide or self-harm while preventing manipulative engagement techniques and sexually explicit conversations. I also voted for HB 1170, which cracks down on AI-generated misinformation.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve lives and solve challenging problems, but it also presents serious risks that demand oversight. I am committed to ensuring that our state maximizes the benefits of this emerging technology while protecting the public from harm.
KEYWORDS: Sustainability Safety Oversight
Q2 What are your top funding priorities for environmental projects and research in our state? If you do not have specific priorities, how would you approach setting those priorities to ensure effective environmental stewardship?
My top environmental priority is supporting legislation that strengthens the Climate Commitment Act (CCA). This year, we advanced a bill to address the long-term stability of the CCA. SB 5982 ensures that emissions-intensive, trade-exposed entities have greater direction and accountability in reducing emissions, as these industries face the greatest challenges in reducing pollution.
We also made changes in our transportation sector, our state’s highest source of greenhouse gas emissions. I voted to pass HB 2215, which lowers the carbon emissions threshold for fuel suppliers under the CCA from 25,000 to 500 metric tons. Finally, SB 5036 improves the CCA by improving data collection and requiring annual reports on emissions that will include the most recent data available. These steps are critical to driving reductions, and I remain committed to advancing similar measures.
Beyond the CCA, our state can leverage multiple tools to protect our environment. Since 2023, the Department of Ecology has implemented the Clean Fuels Program, limiting greenhouse gas emissions for vehicles. Recently, we passed HB 1409, which increases pollution reductions and reinvestments to support clean transportation.
I will continue to support efforts that strengthen these policies, decrease our carbon footprint, and meet our climate goals.
KEYWORDS: Strengthening Protection Clean Energy
Q3 What are your opinions on the current state of science literacy, and how could K-12 education standards be adapted to improve the public understanding of and relationship building in science?
While our state has made progress in increasing science literacy, there is always room for improvement. I believe the best way to build on our progress is by creating a fully funded, world-class education system from early learning through higher education. This is my top priority. As a parent of four children in Seattle Public Schools, I believe Washington should be the best place in the country to grow up and get an education.
I will continue to fight for better-funded classrooms, with up-to-date textbooks, supplies, and resources for teachers and students; increased support for special education, including more staff to serve students with individualized education plans; safer, more reliable school transportation; and expanded access to extracurriculars and enrichment opportunities. By increasing resources for schools, students have a greater opportunity to develop their scientific literacy and use that knowledge to benefit our state.
Investing in education is investing in our future, and I am committed to delivering on that promise. That was my primary motivation for sponsoring the Millionaires Tax, which will bring in roughly $3.5 billion per year and give us an opportunity to make significant investments in public schools.
KEYWORDS: Education Resources Opportunity
Q4 The Bear Gulch Fire, one of 2000 recorded fires in 2025, was the biggest on the Olympic Peninsula in 70 years, burning over 20,000 hectares and causing $42 million in damages. What are your policies around fire risk management for the state?
I backpacked Staircase three years ago with my sons and love hiking in the Olympics, so the Bear Gulch Fire hit too close to home. Washington faces growing threats from extreme heat and wildfires, and these are no longer confined to central and Eastern Washington. I support legislation that prevents wildfires and ensures forest health, builds resilient communities; and strengthens the state’s ability to respond quickly to wildfires..
In the 2021 session, I voted for HB 1168, which created a historic $500 million commitment in wildfire prevention, preparedness, and protection. In the most recent session, I was proud to support the restoration of $60 million in funding to continue this critical work, which became law. I also voted for legislation to establish a wildfire mitigation grant program and increase transparency by requiring insurance companies disclose wildfire risk scores to customers. While these bills did not receive action in the House, I remain committed to advancing similar legislation to protect communities from wildfires and other challenges brought by climate change.
KEYWORDS: Response Preparedness Adaptation
Q5 Puget Sound and the Washington coast are experiencing rapid changes, such as warming waters, ocean acidification, and ecosystem shifts, that have major impacts on Washington’s wildlife and fisheries. What policies and funding, if any, would you prioritize for fisheries management, scientific monitoring, and to help communities adapt to these shifts?
While the ecological shift in the Puget Sound and Washington coast is concerning, my current priority is meeting Washington’s court-mandated obligation to remove culverts blocking the migration of salmon.
In 2013, a federal judge ruled that our state violated tribes’ treaty fishing rights by failing to address these barriers. While the initial goal was to open 90% of blocked habitat by 2030, our state’s budget challenges make this difficult. In the 2025 session, I served as a co-sponsor of SB 5804. This bill would allow our state to issue up to $5 billion in bonds over 15 years, while diverting revenue from a tax on electric utilities. This funding would go toward projects that improve fish recovery, habitat restoration, and mitigate the impact of barriers. While this legislation did not receive action in the House, I support it and similar bills that address this issue.
Beyond culvert removal, I will continue supporting the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s work with tribes, the federal government, and other stakeholders to adapt and support our natural resources. As our environment continues to change, I am committed to advancing policies to preserve Washington’s ecosystem for future generations.
KEYWORDS: Recovery Conservation Collaboration