Regional climate solutions: More to Puget Sound than 4 counties

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, November 22, 2023

I read with interest the commentary by Paul Roberts on Eco-nomics (“Puget Sound region can amplify climate solutions,” The Herald, Nov. 10). I concur with so many of the points being made.

My only concern was the very narrow lens of what is Puget Sound. I definitely appreciate the work of the Puget Sound Regional Council and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and their efforts to address climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, air quality and a more sustainable Puget Sound.

That said, we have other regional entities in Puget Sound equally committed to these goals. As a county commissioner in Island County, I have had the privilege to serve with many other advocates and elected leaders on organizations that span all of Puget Sound such as the Northwest Clean Air Agency and Puget Sound Partnership, also active in this work.

In addition, local transit agencies such as Island Transit have made specific commitments to zero emissions policies through our Board actions.

Island County passed a Climate Resolution that now embeds a lens of “climate in all policies” in our decision making. I hope future commentary recognizes that the Puget Sound region is far greater than just King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap Counties and includes efforts by many of us in the North and South Sound regions and the Olympic Peninsula. Thank you for your work and advocacy. We are all in this together.

Janet St. Clair

Island County Commissioner

Camano Island