Governor Christine Gregoire issued an Executive Order this week entitled “Washington’s Leadership on Climate Change,” tasking the Department of Ecology and the Department of Transportation with a number of important activities. For example, the executive order calls for:
- Continuing to work with six other Western states and four Canadian provinces in the Western Climate Initiative to develop a regional emissions reduction program design.
- Working with the Obama Administration to help design a national program that is strong, and reflects state priorities.
- Developing emission reduction strategies and industry emissions benchmarks to make sure 2020 reduction targets are met.
- Working with TransAlta to reduce emissions from the company’s coal-fired power plant near Centralia by more than half.
- Ensuring Washington has trees to capture harmful carbon, while creating financial incentives for the forestry industry.
- Working on low-carbon fuel standards or alternative requirements to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
- Joining with other West Coast states and the private sector to develop and implement a West Coast highway accessible to electric and alternative-fuel vehicles.
- Addressing rising sea levels and the risks to water supplies.
- Increasing transit options, such as buses, light rail, and ride-share programs, and give Washington residents more choices for reducing the effect of transportation emissions.
Executive Order 09-05 can be accessed at: http://www.governor.wa.gov/execorders/eo_09-05.pdf
