Washblog

Rep. Upthegrove on: "A framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the WA economy"

Noemie,

Here is a little personal blurb on the big climate change bill that passed last night.  Thought it might be of interest for WashBlog readers...

Dave

I received the email quoted above from Representative Dave Upthegrove today about HB2815,  "Providing a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Washington economy".  The bill, which originated in the committee he chairs, Ecology and Parks, passed yesterday, and has received significant press coverage.  It builds on a law from last session, which set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Washington 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. HB 2815 makes these goals mandatory.  It also amends RCW 43.330 to establish a comprehensive green economy jobs growth initiative based on the goal of increasing the number
of green economy jobs in the state from 8,000 in 2004 to 25,000 in 2020.

Dave's blurb continues below the fold.

Dave Upthegrove
State Representative
33rd District
Chairman, House Ecology & Parks Committee
Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000
Webpage

The Legislature passed the major climate change legislation last night.  This was my top priority this year and I think it is a remarkable achievement-- one of the most meaningful pieces of environmental legislation to pass since I have joined the Legislature.

As Chairman of the Ecology & Parks Committee, it is my job to manage issues related to climate change, Puget Sound clean-up and a variety of other issues.  Handling the climate change bill in the House, and working with the Governor's office, the Senate and the stakeholders to negotiate the language of the bill was as at times frustrating, but an overall rewarding experience.

This new legislation, for the first time, turns Washington State's carbon reduction goals into action.  The bill requires the state to take actions to reduce carbon emissions to achieve the goals we passed last year.

The cornerstone action called for in the bill is for the Department of Ecology to participate in the development of a regional cap-and-trade system to bring back to the Legislature for approval next year.  The bill also requires, for the first time, that major polluters inventory and report their carbon emissions to the State Department of Ecology.

In addition, we sets goals in the transportation sector to reduce the amount that people drive (per capita Vehicle Miles Traveled) and directs our State Department of Transportation to bring us back proposals to achieve those goals.

Finally, the bill creates new economic development programs and a workforce retraining grant program to help create new "green collar" jobs in Washington and help position us to take advantage, economically, of the transformation to a clean energy economy.

This legislation is going to create jobs and save money in the long run.  Most importantly, however, we are doing the right thing to preserve our quality of life and way of life for future generations.

Here is a story about the bill's passage from today's Seattle Times: State to come up with emissions goals.


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Each session he sinks is teeth into a solid issue and delivers. Last year Puget Sound and this year Global Warming. Next year we are within reason to expect condos on Mars and at an affordable price!

An intergalactic public private win win.

Where will we end up? With tough decisions that's where. What with the earth preserved and affordable condos on Mars. It just stresses me out to even think about how tough it will be for our kids to decide where to buy their first houses.

All joking aside though, bills like these do not move without a skilled chair. Hats off David.

by Particle Man on Thu Mar 06, 2008 at 02:33:59 PM PST

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Sub Particle Boy just told dad he will remain on Earth even if the condos on Mars are really well priced.
Crisis averted.

by Particle Man on Thu Mar 06, 2008 at 02:37:32 PM PST

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If you want to support this kind of legislation, you might want to check out other environmental legislative priorities on the Priorities for a Healthy Washington Hotlist

by microveldt on Thu Mar 06, 2008 at 05:17:10 PM PST

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...on what is the important environmental and transportation news - as well as good series on the realities people are facing when trying to make sustainable transportation choices at the Sightline Institute's new News and Blog site.

Interesting stuff.

by dlaw on Sat Mar 08, 2008 at 05:25:50 PM PST

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After reading incredibly ignorant Soundoffs in response to Anna Lappes' piece in the Seattle P-I (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/354753_tilth13.html)
along the lines of, "What global warming, the winters are colder?", I reflected on the work and organizing strategy of Climate Dialogues.

Check it out: http://www.climatedialogues.org/

We can at least educate ourselves and our neighbors.

by ktkeller on Sat Mar 15, 2008 at 07:29:59 PM PST

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