  |
|
|
Department of Ecology News Release - September 21, 2009
09-231
UPDATE: The Sept. 25, 2009, workshop highlighted in the news release below will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For additional information including the agenda for the Sept. 25 meeting, click here: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/fuelstandards.htm
OLYMPIA – State agencies are exploring whether using low-carbon fuels in Washington will help reduce emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases.
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) will hold workshops to gather information and ideas about the best way to apply a low-carbon fuel standard in Washington. The first workshop is set for Friday, Sept. 25, 2009. Six more are scheduled in coming months.
In May 2009, Gov. Chris Gregoire issued Executive Order 09-05, Washington’s Leadership on Climate Change. In it, she directed Ecology to assess whether California’s low-carbon fuel standard or a modified version would help Washington meet the state’s emission reduction targets. Ecology must produce a report by July 2010.
“We know that almost half of Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. So one possible way to reduce those emissions is to use fuels that produce less carbon,” said Sarah Rees, who is leading Ecology’s work on the issue.
The transportation sector includes passenger cars and trucks, airplanes, trains, ships, buses, and heavy trucks.
Ecology and the departments of Commerce and Transportation will work with interested stakeholders to:
Here’s the workshop schedule:
All workshops will be held at Ecology’s headquarters, 300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey.
###
Media Contact: David Workman, Ecology communications director, 360-407-7004; dwor461@ecy.wa.gov
Learn more about Washington’s emission reduction targets and other responses to climate change: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
