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Pacific Coast Collaborative announces new joint efforts

On Friday morning, Premier of British Columbia John Horgan, Governor Inslee, California Secretary for Environmental Protection Matt Rodriguez, and Oregon Energy Director Janine Benner came together to discuss climate, trade, opioids, and ocean safety issues facing all four jurisdictions. The meeting marks the 10-year anniversary of the Pacific Coast Collaborative, a joint effort to drive energy innovation, sustainable resource management, and conservation of the Pacific Coast.

During a press conference following their morning meeting, the four leaders discussed the key issues they will continue to collaborate on in the coming years, one of which is investing in clean energy technology while leaving fossil fuels behind.

Rather than continuing to invest in fossil fuel infrastructure when their climate goals require them to wean off of fossil fuel reliance, the leaders say they will push toward strengthening a clean energy economy in their jurisdictions. Inslee brought up two major fossil fuel projects in Washington — the Vancouver Energy oil terminal and the Millennium Bulk Terminal — that have faced obstacles and brick walls for years.

Inslee stressed that moving toward clean energy is compatible and supportive for a successful economy.

According to a press release from Premier Horgan’s office, the regions of the Pacific Coast Collaborative represent the fifth largest economy in the world, and since 2005, the region’s GDP has grown by 20 percent while simultaneously reducing their total emissions by over six percent. The release states that from 2010-2014, clean-energy jobs in the region grew twice as fast as job growth overall in the region.

“The Pacific Coast states and province are working together to build a thriving economy, while reducing harmful carbon pollution,” said Matt Rodriquez, who attended the meeting on behalf of California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. “Through our shared culture of innovation, we view the challenge of climate change as an opportunity to develop new markets, attract investment and create jobs in the growing clean economy. By actively coordinating and aligning our policies, our governments are accelerating this transition and spurring greater innovation.”

Inslee also discussed British Columbia’s carbon tax and reaffirmed his plans to continue to push this issue forward in Washington.


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