12/28/2007: "Have An Opinion On Climate Change In Wa?"

In February of last year, Governor Christine Gregoire signed an Executive Order directing state government departments to work together to establish “greenhouse gas emissions reduction and clean energy economy goals” for the state.

In response to the Order, a Climate Advisory Team was formed to “explore and recommend how the state can reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions.” Working with the departments of Ecology and Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), and stakeholders in the state, the team has now published a draft plan in three parts; and they want to hear what the public thinks about the plan, and what suggestions they may have to offer.

The Team created three documents that are posted on a state website at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/index.htm . The documents can also be accessed here:
• A Comprehensive Climate Approach for Washington. : Make Comments.
• Preparing for the Impacts of Climate Change: Make Comments.
• Citizen Engagement and Action Framework: Make Comments.

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Comments on the draft documents will be accepted for a three-week period that closes at 5 p.m. Jan. 10. The public is encouraged to submit comments online. Comments also may be mailed to Department of Ecology, Attn: Climate Comments, PO Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. Comments will be summarized and posted online.

Specific Action Recommendations to ensure reductions of Washington’s carbon footprint:are:
:
* Build and Continue to Redesign Communities That Offer Real and Reliable Alternatives to Single Occupancy Vehicles.

* Ensure Washington has Vehicles that are as Efficient as Possible and Use Non-Carbon or Lower Carbon Intensity Fuels Developed Sustainably from Regional Resources.

* Invest In and Use Washington's Existing Transportation Infrastructure to Move
People and Goods Cleanly and Efficiently.

* Design, Build, Upgrade and Operate New and Existing Buildings and Equipment to Maximize Energy Efficiency.

* Deliver Power from Lower or Non-Carbon Energy Sources and More Efficient Use of Fuels.

* Restore and Retain the Health and Vitality of Washington’s Farms and Forest Lands to Increase Carbon Sequestration and Storage, Reduce the Release of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Support the Provision of Biomass Fuels.

* Reduce Waste and Washington’s Emissions of GHGs Through Improved Product Choices and Resource Stewardship.

Also on the climate change website:

* Sign up for the climate change listserv for updated news and information.
* Read more about the Technical Working Groups and their work.
* Find details on the Climate Advisory Team's charge, members and minutes from the group's meetings.
* Learn more about what the state is doing to address climate change regionally, including cooperating with other states and Canadian provinces.
* Learn how you can comment on climate change efforts. * Find out how you can act individually to help curb climate change.