Shaena Garberich

Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to improve healthcare, education, public services, agriculture, and economic opportunity. I support responsible innovation that allows Washington to remain a leader in technology while ensuring communities are protected.

Data centers should be evaluated based on their long-term impacts on local communities, including electricity demand, water use, land use, and economic benefits. Projects should be transparent, engage local communities early, and demonstrate responsible resource management without shifting unreasonable costs onto ratepayers. I support encouraging energy efficiency, water conservation, and infrastructure planning that strengthens—not strains—our electric grid.

I also believe AI should complement human decision-making, not replace accountability. As AI becomes more common in government and public services, transparency, privacy protections, cyber security, and clear human oversight are essential. Public trust depends on people understanding when AI is being used and having meaningful avenues for review and accountability.

My perspective is informed by reports from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on AI and data center impacts, guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on trustworthy AI, and research on energy, water, and infrastructure planning, alongside conversations with scientists, community members, and technology professionals.

KEYWORDS: Responsible Innovation; Transparency; Sustainability

My funding priorities would focus on projects that protect both our natural resources and the communities that depend on them. I support investments in clean water, salmon and habitat restoration, forest health and wildfire resilience, climate resilience, and research that helps Washington prepare for future environmental challenges.

When setting funding priorities, I believe decisions should be guided by the best available scientific evidence, measurable outcomes, and meaningful input from local communities, Tribal Nations, researchers, landowners, and industry partners. Limited public resources should be invested where they will have the greatest long-term environmental, economic, and public health benefits.

As a legislator, I would support research that improves our understanding of changing environmental conditions while ensuring scientific findings are translated into practical solutions for communities across Washington, including rural areas. Environmental stewardship is most effective when science, collaboration, and responsible fiscal management work together to protect our natural resources for future generations.

KEYWORDS: Evidence-Based Decision Making; Environmental Stewardship; Collaboration

Science literacy is about more than memorizing facts. It is about developing curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to evaluate evidence. In today’s world, where information is readily available and technology is rapidly evolving, these skills are essential for every student.

I support K–12 education that emphasizes hands-on learning, scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and media literacy. Students should learn not only what scientific discoveries have been made, but also how science works—asking questions, testing ideas, evaluating evidence, and revising conclusions when new information becomes available. These skills help students make informed decisions throughout their lives.

Strong science education also depends on supporting educators, maintaining up-to-date instructional materials, and creating partnerships with universities, Tribal Nations, community organizations, and local industries that provide students with real-world learning opportunities.

My perspective is informed by research on STEM education, conversations with educators and community members, and the understanding that effective public policy should be guided by the best available evidence while preparing students for an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

KEYWORDS: Science Literacy; Critical Thinking; Evidence-Based Education

The Bear Gulch Fire highlighted the growing wildfire risks facing communities across Washington, including areas that have not historically experienced large fires. We need a balanced approach that focuses on prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

I support investing in forest health through responsible fuel reduction, prescribed burns where appropriate, and partnerships with tribes, local governments, and private landowners. We must ensure firefighters and first responders have the training, equipment, and staffing they need while strengthening emergency communication systems and evacuation planning for rural communities.

The state should also help homeowners and local communities reduce wildfire risk through education, defensible space programs, and grants for mitigation projects. As climate conditions continue to change, we must make long-term investments that protect lives, property, natural resources, and local economies while ensuring communities can recover quickly after disasters.

KEYWORDS: Wildfire prevention Forest health Responsible forest management Fuel reduction Prescribed burns Community wildfire protection Defensible space Firewise communities Emergency preparedness Evacuation planning First responder support Firefighter staffing Wildland firefighting resources Mutual aid Rural resilience Tribal partnerships Local government collaboration Private landowner partnerships Watershed protection Habitat restoration Climate resilience Disaster recovery Public safety Emergency communications Infrastructure protection Community education Wildfire mitigation grants Home hardening Sustainable forestry Science-based land management

Washington’s fisheries are essential to our environment, economy, Tribal treaty rights, and coastal communities. As changing ocean conditions continue to affect fish populations and marine ecosystems, we must make decisions based on sound science and collaboration.

I support continued investment in scientific monitoring, habitat restoration, salmon recovery, and water quality improvements. We should strengthen partnerships with Tribes, local governments, commercial and recreational fishers, researchers, and conservation organizations to develop sustainable management strategies.

I also support funding that helps coastal communities adapt to changing conditions through economic diversification, workforce support, and infrastructure improvements. Protecting fisheries requires balancing conservation with the long-term health of the communities and industries that depend on them for their livelihoods.

KEYWORDS: Collaboration, Science and Stewardship