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Washington takes the lead with Climate Commitment Act

Washington takes the lead with Climate Commitment Act

Climate Commitment Act Moves to Senate Floor

In 2021, the Washington Legislature passed the Climate Commitment Act, or CCA, which establishes a comprehensive program to reduce carbon pollution and achieve the greenhouse gas limits set in state law. The program will start Jan. 1, 2023. This puts Washington on a path to meet the greenhouse gas emission limits set in state law.
Matthew Hepner of Bellingham, executive director of the Certified Electrical Workers of Washington, said the bill will kick-start job creation.

The climate is definitely changing and we have to adapt to it. (The bill) will renew an economy that we’re missing out in. We need that market engine to spur economic growth.”

Much of the projected economic growth will be generated by investments in Miles Ahead Washington, the House transportation package funded in part by the Climate Commitment Act.  That package will invest billions in low-carbon transportation projects, like electric ferries, electric buses and rural, tribal and regional mobility grants to move Washington toward a net-zero carbon transportation future. Click here to see the jobs it is estimated to create in various areas of our economy.

We don’t have to choose between our environment and our economy. Tribes. Environmental Groups. Energy Companies. Equity Advocates. Business Alliances. These voices and many more agree that the Climate Commitment Act (SB 5126) presents a viable road map for Washington and a lower, carbon-emissions future. We know that we have to start pushing down statewide emissions and it needs to be done in a way that doesn’t do unintended harm. We have to do it equitably. And we have to do it in a way that will boost our economy at this crucial moment. With this into law, Washington will build back better.

Sustainability Spotlight: Bellingham Public Schools Tackles Sustainability

Sustainability Spotlight: Bellingham Public Schools Tackles Sustainability

School districts have a compelling reason to reach for sustainability in their operations and curriculum. The energy their buildings and buses use, the food they serve, the water they consume, and the waste they generate puts schools at the fulcrum of what sustainability entails – reducing their environmental footprint and conserving resources. Additionally, their job…

Climate Change Impacts Seaports

Climate Change Impacts Seaports

Seaports are a vital part of the shipping industry, and they are already feeling the effects of climate change. The concern over climate change must be transformed into action. Climate planning should be budgeted for all ports and should include adaptation and mitigation. Climate change is here. Time is of the essence.

The win-win in agrivoltaics

The win-win in agrivoltaics

Image credit: Agrivoltaics: How Solar and Farmland can Fight Climate Change (solarreviews.com) Produce electricity and grow crops Did you know that there is a way to produce electricity and grow crops at the same time? It’s called agrivoltaics, and it can help farmers reduce their energy costs while still producing food. Check out this blog…

Sustainability Spotlight: Tony’s Coffee

Sustainability Spotlight: Tony’s Coffee

How did sustainability start for Tony’s? Our sustainability journey can be traced back to 2002, when we began sourcing Organic, Fair Trade, Shade Grown coffee. Since then, we moved to 100% green power, doubled our roasting efficiency, offset our roastery’s carbon footprint, and continue to support causes that we care about. Our commitment to sourcing…

Sustainability Spotlight: Aslan Brewing Company

Sustainability Spotlight: Aslan Brewing Company

Aslan Brewing Company, a member of Sustainable Connections, is based in Bellingham, WA and was founded in 2012. From the beginning, every decision the Aslan founders made was through the lens of sustainability. When Aslan opened its brewpub doors in May of 2014, team members focused on crafting world-class beer with local ingredients and low-impact…

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