This isn't local to Whatcom County, but since we are a website, and we are frequently critical of government policy, this does affect us. And you know it is all about us. 'WE' are quite flamboyant in that regard. Heritage Action for America reports:

This week, controversial legislation that could result in government censorship of the internet and stifle innovation came under fire. Supporters of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA), which claim to crack down on online piracy overseas, started peeling off the bills.

A day before any popular websites launched protests on Wednesday, Heritage Action released its key vote against SOPA and PIPA. It was picked up around the country, and thanks to dedicated conservatives taking action, made a big difference in Congress: (Continue reading...)

Websites worldwide received a temporary reprieve from First Amendment infringement. WE do not condone copyright infringement, but there has to be a way to deal with the problem without forfeiting our First Amendment rights.

Citing concerns about insufficient protection from lawsuits and a lack of sufficient state funding, the Whatcom County council voted 5-2  to opt out of the Voluntary Stewardship Program, ESHB 1886 (with Sam Crawford and Bill Knudsen dissenting). 

The dissenting members agreed with Farm Bureau arguments. The Farm Bureau literature that WE saw seemed to indicate that Farm Plans would be discontinued, but the county legal opinion differed – the Farm Plan requirements would remain. The confusion over this issue when it was brought up in a preliminary afternoon meeting seemed to throw everything back into question, causing council members who had previously supported opting in to question their decision.  One council member observed that the property rights crowd and the environmentalists were united in their opposition to this measure (but undoubtedly for different reasons). This odd coincidence might also have affected the outcome.  

WE have already explained why WE think that the Voluntary Stewardship Program is a bad idea (despite its delicious name). WE wish the council had voted to opt out because of the threat to liberty and self-determination.