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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.

Strategic resilience in the US wine industry

Strategic resilience in the US wine industry

How to be resilient when wildfire threatens an industry Wildfire smoke can impact the quality of wine, but vignerons won’t know what the damage is until the wine is opened. Grapevines themselves are pretty resilient to fire, but wildfire smoke can taint the flavor significantly AND the impact might not be revealed until the wine…

Electric recycling and garbage trucks catching on

Electric recycling and garbage trucks catching on

Electrification is catching on in the hauler industry. Republic Services is going all-in on fully integrated electric recycling and garbage trucks. With a fleet of over 17,000 vehicles nationwide, this sustainability initiative puts Republic in the vanguard of leaders in their industry. Republic is one of the largest operators offering residential and commercial recycling and…

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.

Farmers adapt solar arrays for growing crops

Farmers adapt solar arrays for growing crops

Image credit: Agrivoltaics: How Solar and Farmland can Fight Climate Change (solarreviews.com) Agrivoltaics produce electricity and grow crops on the same land Using the power of the sun solves a host of problems such as reducing farmers’ energy costs, optimizing land use, reducing evaporation, and lowering costs through efficiencies. It is also known as solar…

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…

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