Aberdeen State Representative Jim Walsh has been asked by leaders of the House Republican caucus to fill an open position on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Walsh is a Republican currently serving his first term in the state Legislature. He began his work with the committee this week.

The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee considers issues relating to agricultural production, marketing, and sales; animal and plant disease control; fisheries and wildlife; forest practices and forest fire protection; water; and mining. The committee of 13, consisting of seven Democrats and six Republicans, also considers the management of certain state-owned lands.

“I’m honored House leadership asked me to step in to this position,” said Walsh. “This committee handles a lot of critical issues for the 19th District; fisheries, forestry, fire protection, management of public lands. Water rights — which will be of particular interest in the weeks and months ahead. And these aren’t academic policy debates. They’re practical matters that affect people’s business and leisure every day. I’m looking forward to working with the other members of the committee to make Washington an even better place to live and work.”

Walsh currently sits on the House Capital Budget and Business and Financial Services Committees. Due to committee scheduling, he will no longer be serving on the House Local Government Committee.