Gov. Gregoire signs bill to fight climate change and grow the state’s economy

Washington State Department of Ecology

Office of Governor Christine Gregoire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 13, 2008
Contacts: Governor's Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire signs bill to fight climate change and grow the state’s economy

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed legislation that will lead to reduced greenhouse gas pollution, increase Washington’s energy independence and set the stage for creating thousands of new “green collar” jobs.

“This is another example of Washington leading the way on climate change by being clean, green and competitive,” Gregoire said. “Because we are acting now, we will capitalize on unique and exciting economic opportunities and increase our competitive edge in the world economy.”

Washington’s new Climate Change Framework/Green-Collar Jobs Act was developed with the help of a broad coalition of business, environment, education, labor and energy leaders.

“We laid out an ambitious set of emissions reduction goals last year with Senate Bill 6001, and we’re taking key steps this year to begin meeting those goals,” said Sen. Craig Pridemore, D-Vancouver, prime sponsor of the Senate bill. “It’s a work in progress and will continue to be each and every year, but it’s an extremely worthy one. I’m pleased at the level of commitment that the Legislature has shown to explore the full range of options in doing Washington’s part to reduce climate change.”

“We are leading into the sustainable age, and this legislation will get us to a better future for our kids and grandkids,” said Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, prime sponsor of the House bill. “It is our duty to them.”

This comprehensive legislation:

Requires quantifiable reductions in greenhouse gas pollution, requires a comprehensive plan by year’s end to achieve the required reductions, and makes it possible to measure progress by requiring the largest greenhouse gas polluters to count and report their emissions beginning in 2010.
Directs the Departments of Ecology and Community, Trade and Economic Development to continue working with other Western states and Canadian provinces to craft a regional strategy for putting the market economy to work reducing greenhouse gases from major sectors of the economy.
Directs the Department of Transportation to develop strategies to achieve greenhouse gas reductions from transportation, the single largest contributor to greenhouse gases in Washington. The bill doesn’t legislate individual behavior or limit personal freedom. Directs state agencies to identify incentives to spur local development of new technologies, attract green businesses to Washington and build the work force for the jobs these new ventures will create.

A 2007 economic analysis for Gov. Gregoire’s Climate Advisory Team estimated that several of the recommended strategies for responding to climate change will have a net benefit to the state’s economy of nearly $1 billion by 2020.

A 2006 economic analysis found that nearly every aspect of Washington’s $268 billion economy would be affected if climate change is left unchecked.

For more information, see Washington’s climate change Web portal: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange.