Washington lawmakers want to make the Pacific razor clam the official state clam—because apparently, that’s a priority
With crime surging, housing costs skyrocketing, and businesses fleeing the state, Olympia is focused on... shellfish designations.
Washington lawmakers, led by Sen. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim) in Senate Bill 5560, are pushing legislation to declare the Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula) as the official state clam.
Supporters claim this will honor Washington’s coastal traditions, but in reality, it’s another example of lawmakers prioritizing symbolic gestures instead of solving real problems.
If SB 5560 passes, expect:
Zero improvement in the daily lives of Washingtonians
More wasted legislative time on issues that don’t matter
A symbolic win for politicians, while nothing gets done on crime, housing, or taxes
This isn’t about state pride—it’s about politicians looking busy while avoiding real work.
What SB 5560 does
SB 5560 formally designates the Pacific razor clam as Washington’s official state clam.
Lawmakers argue that razor clams are a cultural icon that have provided food, recreation, and economic benefits to coastal communities for centuries.
The bill highlights the clam’s role in Washington’s identity and praises its importance as a wild food source.
If passed, the Pacific razor clam will join the state bird, tree, and fish as an official state symbol.
There is no economic benefit, no regulatory impact, and no effect on fisheries or conservation—just a ceremonial designation that gives politicians something to talk about.
Why this bill is a waste of time
Washington has real problems lawmakers should be fixing
Instead of addressing rising crime, unaffordable housing, or the exodus of businesses from Washington, legislators are spending time and taxpayer resources debating shellfish classifications.
Housing prices are at record highs, making homeownership unattainable for many families.
Crime continues to surge while law enforcement faces staffing shortages.
Jeff Bezos and other high-income earners are fleeing Washington due to its tax climate.
Yet, instead of tackling these crises, Olympia politicians are focused on clams.
This is performative lawmaking
SB 5560 is a classic example of feel-good legislation—a symbolic bill that does nothing to improve the lives of residents but gives lawmakers something to boast about.
It won’t create jobs.
It won’t fix Washington’s budget problems.
It won’t make the state safer or more affordable.
But it will let legislators issue a press release celebrating the "historic" moment Washington officially recognizes a clam.
Why is the state involved in this at all?
Does Washington really need a government-mandated declaration about clams?
If razor clams are important to the state’s culture, people will celebrate them naturally.
Why does the Legislature need to get involved?
What’s next—an official state barnacle?
This is government overreach into trivial matters while ignoring issues that actually affect people’s lives.
Who benefits from this bill?
Lawmakers who want an easy, feel-good legislative win.
Coastal tourism groups who can now market the "official state clam."
People who enjoy collecting random state facts.
Who doesn’t benefit?
Families struggling with Washington’s high cost of living.
Law-abiding citizens dealing with rising crime.
Businesses trying to stay afloat under Washington’s endless regulations and taxes.
This bill doesn’t make Washington a better place—it’s just a distraction from the real issues.
What’s next?
If SB 5560 passes, expect:
More symbolic bills that waste legislative time.
No meaningful solutions to Washington’s real problems.
Lawmakers patting themselves on the back for "getting things done"—without actually doing anything.
Instead of playing marine biologist, legislators should focus on making Washington a better place to live.