Everett, Wash.
Published: Sunday, August 24, 2008

GUEST COMMENTARY

State, local Democrats lead progress against climate change

By Mark Hintz

 Human-induced climate change -- some call it global warming, others prefer climatic chaos. Whatever we call it, this catastrophic issue must be addressed, and in Washington state and Snohomish County, our Democratic leaders are seizing the initiative to make changes now to improve our future and the futures of our children.

Over the past century man has generated greenhouse gases that have heated our atmosphere. Our increased population, the use of fossil fuels, the clearing of our lands and the creation of industrial pollutants are major causes.

What can we do to affect global, national, state and local causes of greenhouse gases? How are we affected here in Washington and in Snohomish County? What do we do to effect change and improvement in our local environment? The saying goes, "Think globally but act locally."

In the next 20 years our county population is predicted to increase by more than 300,000 new residents. Our leaders need to prepare for this growth. It will affect the quality of our life and that of future generations. We can take steps now that will positively affect our environment and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

At the state level, with the leadership of Gov. Christine Gregoire in her first term, Washington has garnered accolades as being:

n The first state to require that new public buildings meet "green building" standards for energy efficiency, water conservation and air quality.

n The first state with standards for storing carbon dioxide by-products from power plants deep underground.

n The second state to adopt clean air emission standards for power plants

n First in the number of hybrid and flex fuel vehicles in the state motor pool, saving money while lowering emissions.

n The third fastest-growing wind power generator, behind only California and Texas.

n The third "greenest" state in Forbes' 2007 ranking of states on carbon footprint.

In addition to these accomplishments, Gov. Gregoire has led Washington in climate action and green jobs by signing bills that:

n reduce carbon dioxide emissions and double green collar jobs by 2020;

n make tougher car emissions standards that will lead to new cars emitting 30 percent less global warming pollution; and

n encourage green buildings. This bill was the first of its kind in the nation and spurred the growth of green building requirements nationally. The bill requires Washington schools and other public buildings to help protect the environment by saving energy and water, and using less-toxic as well as recycled materials.

On the local level, Snohomish County is led by a Democratic County Council and a Democratic County Executive who have provided leadership on green issues. Our Democratic leaders have launched policies that support and improve our environment.

Areas of county government that our leaders have addressed are:

n Purchasing fleet vehicles that use flexible fuels and biodiesel fuel, and hybrid electric vehicles.

n "Green building practices," using best practices in construction and retrofitting buildings with heat saving programs and electronic panels that regulate energy use for HVAC and lighting.

n Assisting our citizens with low income assistance and weatherization programs.

n Open space, agricultural and forest protection by developing comprehensive plan designations, the purchase of development rights program, forest regulations restricting subdivisions and many additional programs.

As Democrats, these elected officials are taking a proactive attitude toward our environment. They have seen the need and they are taking the lead on issues affecting how we live in Snohomish County.

The leadership of these elected officials has been recognized internationally. The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) gave Snohomish County its Sustainability Award for the county's work on sustainability and working toward reducing county impacts on climate change.

The county also received the Washington State Recycling Association's "Most Innovative Recycler of the Year" award for working with a local startup company, Standard Biodiesel in Arlington, at the Evergreen State Fair last year to convert used concession-stand grease into fuel for onsite use.

As Democrats, these elected representatives believe that we all have a responsibility to protect and preserve our environment and the future that we leave for our children. They have set forth a two-pronged approach to climate change. One prong is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The other prong is to prepare for the changes that might come from future changes in climate. They are demanding that we all look at our current practices and be ready to be flexible and adjust to the coming changes. This is reflected in the laws and ordinances that they pass.



Mark Hintz is chair of the Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee (www.snohomishdemocrats.org).
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA