Phillips, Ferguson, and Constantine advance legislation to address climate change

January 31, 2012

Summary

Legislative package sets goals of reducing emissions and minimizing environmental footprint

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Larry Phillips and Bob Ferguson today introduced a package of legislation, in collaboration with County Executive Dow Constantine, to build on the County’s ongoing efforts to reduce climate pollution and address the impacts of climate change.

“Climate change is a serious environmental challenge with the potential for significant impact on our economy, health, and quality of life for years to come. We must be proactive,” said Councilmember Ferguson. “This legislation will reduce climate pollution from County operations, with the goal of saving energy and taxpayer dollars.”

“This legislation shows that King County is serious about providing regional leadership to reduce climate pollution and prepare for the effects of climate change on King County,” said Councilmember Phillips, prime sponsor of the legislation and Chair of the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee. “Stepping up our climate action efforts is critical to protecting the region’s economy, environment, and quality of life.”

“Pledges and plans alone won't reduce greenhouse gas pollution,” said Executive Constantine. “This legislation sets out specific actions we can take now—in our own operations and in partnership with others—to protect the environment and prepare for climate change.”

The legislative package builds on King County’s adopted Strategic Plan objective of reducing climate pollution and preparing for the effects of climate change on the environment, human health, and the economy.

The package of legislation introduced today has three components:

• An ordinance requiring the development of a Climate Action Plan with specific strategies for mitigating climate impacts, reducing emissions, and developing target emission levels and performance measures for King County operations;
• An update to existing climate change policies, requiring the County to consider climate change when making land use and transportation policies; and
• An ordinance formalizing the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration, a regional partnership open to all cities that is focused on improving environmental sustainability in local government.

According to scientists at the University of Washington, climate change is affecting the Pacific Northwest, including decreasing mountain snowpack, increasing flooding, and causing stress and changes to the region’s ecosystems.