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“Shall We Begin”

The Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup meets in Olympia.

The Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup meets in Olympia.

With these words Governor Jay Inslee opened the first meeting of the Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup, a new committee created by SB 5802 —gubernatorial request legislation that passed the Legislature in March. The Governor quoted from the legislation, “The purpose of the work group is to recommend a state program of actions and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, that if implemented would ensure achievement of the state’s emissions targets.”

State targets start in 2020 with a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the state to 1990 levels.

In addition to the Governor, the Workgroup includes four legislators, Democrats Sen. Kevin Ranker and Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon together with Republicans Sen. Doug Ericksen and Rep. Shelly Short.

Sen. Ericksen emphasized that another purpose for the Workgroup was to create a greater understanding of the costs to Washington citizens of emission reduction programs and ensure they are cost-effective.

The main debate of the meeting focused on the process to be followed in hiring a consultant who will “prepare a credible evaluation of approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

The meeting adjourned in less than a hour with the Governor noting this ensured a “minimal amount of CO2 emissions” from the participants.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 24.

 

 


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