The Washington Environmental Council has posted their 2014 legislative priorities. Check them out here:
http://wecprotects.org/legislation/default-page
During this short 60-day session which begins today, they are focusing on 2 key priorities: closing a tax loophole that benefits Big Oil and passing the Oil Spill Prevention Act to put safety standards in place to
reduce the risks associated with moving oil through our state and along
our coasts.
Visit their website to learn more about what their efforts.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Join us this Thurs. Jan. 9th
We need your input this Thursday as we make our plans for 2014. Join us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting this Thursday, January 9 at 6 PM.
Agenda items include our 2014 lobby day (February 26) and both the failed climate resolution and the passed Big Green Machine proposal from the recent WFSE convention in October.
Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA. Meeting space is also available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest before Wednesday, January 8th at 5 PM.
Sincerely,
Kerry Graber & Lisa Randlette
Co-Chairs, Green Caucus
Agenda items include our 2014 lobby day (February 26) and both the failed climate resolution and the passed Big Green Machine proposal from the recent WFSE convention in October.
Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA. Meeting space is also available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest before Wednesday, January 8th at 5 PM.
How to join from home:
1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/513444325 to start the videoconference.
***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***
2.) Dial (619) 550-0004 from your phone.
3.) Enter the access code 513-444-325.
4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.
Sincerely,
Kerry Graber & Lisa Randlette
Co-Chairs, Green Caucus
Friday, January 3, 2014
AFSCME and the Environment
Wondering what AFSCME's position is on various environmental issues? Check out their website's environmental section.
http://www.afscme.org/issues/environment
We've added this link under "more resources" to the right so you can quickly navigate there in the future as well!
http://www.afscme.org/issues/environment
We've added this link under "more resources" to the right so you can quickly navigate there in the future as well!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
We need you this Thursday, Dec. 12!
We need you this Thursday. We've got lots of news to share, and need your input on our plans for 2014!
Join us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting this Thursday, December 12 at 6 PM.
Agenda items include introducing our new co-chair Lisa Randlette, outreach to Local Presidents, 2014 lobby day and conferences, and both the failed climate resolution and the passed Big Green Machine proposal from the recent WFSE convention in October.
Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA. Meeting space is also available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, December 11th by 5 PM.
Sincerely,
Kerry Graber & Lisa Randlette
Co-Chairs, Green Caucus
Join us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting this Thursday, December 12 at 6 PM.
Agenda items include introducing our new co-chair Lisa Randlette, outreach to Local Presidents, 2014 lobby day and conferences, and both the failed climate resolution and the passed Big Green Machine proposal from the recent WFSE convention in October.
Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA. Meeting space is also available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, December 11th by 5 PM.
How to join from home:
1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/400381837 to start the videoconference.
***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***
2.) Dial +1 (267) 507-0003 from your phone.
3.) Enter the access code 400-381-837.
4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.
Sincerely,
Kerry Graber & Lisa Randlette
Co-Chairs, Green Caucus
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Join us Thurs Nov 14
Dear Green Caucus Friends,
I wanted to follow up on my earlier message to personally invite you to tonight's Green Caucus meeting. Here's the agenda. We have important issues to discuss, so I hope you will attend!
Under old business we will discuss:
Join our video/conference call this Thursday, November 14 at 6 PM from your own home , or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA. Meeting space is only available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, November 13th during regular business hours.
How to join from home:
Sincerely,
Kerry Graber
Chair, Green Caucus
I wanted to follow up on my earlier message to personally invite you to tonight's Green Caucus meeting. Here's the agenda. We have important issues to discuss, so I hope you will attend!
Under old business we will discuss:
- Letters to Local Presidents asking for a representative to be appointed to our steering committee
- Feedback on Green Caucus Workshop at convention
- Climate change as a standing agenda item
- Planning for January lobby day and strategic planning session face to face
- Natural Resource Task Force update
- Washington State Parks Foundation's Friends of State Parks Program
- "Discover Renewal" documentary
Join our video/conference call this Thursday, November 14 at 6 PM from your own home , or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA. Meeting space is only available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, November 13th during regular business hours.
How to join from home:
1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/669438037 to start the videoconference.
***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***
2.) Dial +1 (786) 358-5420
3.) Enter the access code 669-438-037.
4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.
Sincerely,
Kerry Graber
Chair, Green Caucus
B.C. CA, OR, and WA Join Forces to Combat Climate Change
Contacts:
BRITISH COLUMBIA,
CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON
SAN FRANCISCO – The leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy today, committing their governments, and a region that represents the world’s fifth largest economy, to a comprehensive and far-reaching strategic alignment to combat climate change and promote clean energy.
California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, Washington Governor Jay Inslee were joined at Cisco SF by British Columbia’s Premier Christy Clark, who participated via TelePresence from Victoria. BC Environment Minister Honourable Mary Polak attended in person.
Through the Action Plan, the leaders agreed that all four jurisdictions will account for the costs of carbon pollution and that, where appropriate and feasible, link programs to create consistency and predictability across the region of 53 million people. The leaders also committed to adopting and maintaining low carbon fuel standards in each jurisdiction. In a joint action plan, the leaders committed to “meaningful coordination and linkage between states and provinces across North America.”
“This Action Plan represents the best of what Pacific Coast governments are already doing, and calls on each of us to do more—together—to create jobs by leading in the clean energy economy, and to meet our moral obligation to future generations,” said Governor Inslee. “Each of the governments here is already taking bold steps on climate change; by joining forces, we will accomplish even more," Inslee said.
Flanked by supportive business and labor leaders, the governors and Premier redoubled their commitment to growing the region’s clean energy economy. The region covered by the Action Plan has a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion—effectively the world’s fifth largest economy.
“Energy is THE issue of our time–both globally and here in Oregon–and no single issue will have a greater impact on our state’s economy, environment and quality of life in the coming decade,” said Governor Kitzhaber. "The central question is whether we will shape our energy future through intentional investment and development, or whether it will shape us. Working together across the west coast jurisdictions we can build more resilient economies prepared to face the 21st Century,” Kitzhaber said.
Under the Action Plan, California and British Columbia will maintain their existing carbon pricing programs along with their respective clean fuel standards, while Oregon and Washington have committed to moving forward on a suite of similar policies. The leaders further agreed to harmonize their 2050 greenhouse gas emission targets and develop mid-term targets where needed to set a path toward long-term reductions.
“California isn't waiting for the rest of the world before it takes action on climate change,” said Governor Brown. “Today, California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia are all joining together to reduce greenhouse gases,” Brown said.
The leaders pledged to cooperate with governments and sub-national governments around the world to press for a global agreement on climate change in 2015.
“Taking action to address climate change in our own capitals is an important first step,” said Premier Clark.“By supplying cleaner energy and associated technologies to help others reduce their emissions while growing the economy and creating jobs at home, our generation has an opportunity to lead on the world stage. This agreement signals we are ready to innovate and work together to achieve a healthy, strong, and secure future,“ Clark said.
Business leaders hailed the Action Plan as an important milestone and a boost to efforts for national and international policy change.
“Our company is seeing significant growth on the Pacific Coast, and it is encouraging that the trend is concurrent with this landmark accord,” said Steve Clem, Vice President of Skanska USA in Portland, Oregon, one of the ten largest construction companies in the U.S.
“In this time of political grandstanding and gridlock, private enterprises like ours that are trying to do the right thing are pleased by the recognition here that it really is possible to grow the economy, create jobs and still do our part as a region to fight climate change,” Clem said.
Blair Christie, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Cisco, hosted the signing ceremony with the leaders. Dave Foster, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, and Bill Dewey, President of Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shelton, Washington, also spoke at the event.
The Pacific Coast Collaborative was established to address the unique and shared circumstances of the Pacific coastal areas and jurisdictions in North America by providing a framework for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and the sharing of information on best practices, and a common voice on issues facing coastal and Pacific jurisdictions.
British Columbia:
Dave Crebo, David.Crebo@gov.bc.ca or (250)
812-5747
California: Jim Evans, Jim.Evans@GOV.CA.GOV or (916)
445-4571
Oregon: Tim Raphael, Tim.raphael@state.or.us or (503)
689-6117
Washington: David Postman, David.Postman@gov.wa.gov or (360)
902-4136
Resource Media:
Eric Jaffe, ejaffe@resource-media.org or (415)
235-7822
BRITISH COLUMBIA,
CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON
JOIN FORCES TO COMBAT CLIMATE
CHANGE
West Coast Leaders Commit to Accounting for the Costs of Carbon, Clean Fuel Standards, Other Clean Energy Priorities for Region of 53 Million People
SAN FRANCISCO – The leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy today, committing their governments, and a region that represents the world’s fifth largest economy, to a comprehensive and far-reaching strategic alignment to combat climate change and promote clean energy.
California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, Washington Governor Jay Inslee were joined at Cisco SF by British Columbia’s Premier Christy Clark, who participated via TelePresence from Victoria. BC Environment Minister Honourable Mary Polak attended in person.
Through the Action Plan, the leaders agreed that all four jurisdictions will account for the costs of carbon pollution and that, where appropriate and feasible, link programs to create consistency and predictability across the region of 53 million people. The leaders also committed to adopting and maintaining low carbon fuel standards in each jurisdiction. In a joint action plan, the leaders committed to “meaningful coordination and linkage between states and provinces across North America.”
“This Action Plan represents the best of what Pacific Coast governments are already doing, and calls on each of us to do more—together—to create jobs by leading in the clean energy economy, and to meet our moral obligation to future generations,” said Governor Inslee. “Each of the governments here is already taking bold steps on climate change; by joining forces, we will accomplish even more," Inslee said.
Flanked by supportive business and labor leaders, the governors and Premier redoubled their commitment to growing the region’s clean energy economy. The region covered by the Action Plan has a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion—effectively the world’s fifth largest economy.
“Energy is THE issue of our time–both globally and here in Oregon–and no single issue will have a greater impact on our state’s economy, environment and quality of life in the coming decade,” said Governor Kitzhaber. "The central question is whether we will shape our energy future through intentional investment and development, or whether it will shape us. Working together across the west coast jurisdictions we can build more resilient economies prepared to face the 21st Century,” Kitzhaber said.
Under the Action Plan, California and British Columbia will maintain their existing carbon pricing programs along with their respective clean fuel standards, while Oregon and Washington have committed to moving forward on a suite of similar policies. The leaders further agreed to harmonize their 2050 greenhouse gas emission targets and develop mid-term targets where needed to set a path toward long-term reductions.
“California isn't waiting for the rest of the world before it takes action on climate change,” said Governor Brown. “Today, California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia are all joining together to reduce greenhouse gases,” Brown said.
The leaders pledged to cooperate with governments and sub-national governments around the world to press for a global agreement on climate change in 2015.
“Taking action to address climate change in our own capitals is an important first step,” said Premier Clark.“By supplying cleaner energy and associated technologies to help others reduce their emissions while growing the economy and creating jobs at home, our generation has an opportunity to lead on the world stage. This agreement signals we are ready to innovate and work together to achieve a healthy, strong, and secure future,“ Clark said.
Business leaders hailed the Action Plan as an important milestone and a boost to efforts for national and international policy change.
“Our company is seeing significant growth on the Pacific Coast, and it is encouraging that the trend is concurrent with this landmark accord,” said Steve Clem, Vice President of Skanska USA in Portland, Oregon, one of the ten largest construction companies in the U.S.
“In this time of political grandstanding and gridlock, private enterprises like ours that are trying to do the right thing are pleased by the recognition here that it really is possible to grow the economy, create jobs and still do our part as a region to fight climate change,” Clem said.
Blair Christie, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Cisco, hosted the signing ceremony with the leaders. Dave Foster, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, and Bill Dewey, President of Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shelton, Washington, also spoke at the event.
The Pacific Coast Collaborative was established to address the unique and shared circumstances of the Pacific coastal areas and jurisdictions in North America by providing a framework for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and the sharing of information on best practices, and a common voice on issues facing coastal and Pacific jurisdictions.
# # #
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Join Governor Inslee's Climate Work Group in Spokane or Seattle
October 11,
2013
ADVISORY:
Governor Jay Inslee and climate work group hosting forums, seeking comment on
ideas for reducing carbon emissions
Contact: Jaime Smith, Governor Inslee’s Communications Office |
360.902.4136
Governor
Jay Inslee passed legislation this year creating a Climate Legislative and
Executive Workgroup (CLEW). CLEW members are tasked with identifying strategies
for reducing carbon emissions in Washington and meeting statutory carbon
reduction
targets for 2020 and
beyond.
Inslee
and
legislative members will be seeking public
input on approaches to reducing Washington’s carbon emissions before drafting
their recommendations. More information
about CLEW’s work is available on Governor Inslee’s
website.
When:
October 16 at 5:00pm
Where:
Music Auditorium at Spokane Falls Community College (Bldg. 15, Room
110) - 3410 West Ft George Wright Drive, Spokane
When:
October 23 at 6:00pm
Where:
Bell Harbor
International Conference Center (2211 Alaskan Way, Seattle)
# # #
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