FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Dec. 21, 2007
07-378
Public comments sought on draft climate change documents
OLYMPIA - Washington residents can review and comment on draft documents that
detail proposed actions for limiting and preparing for the impacts of climate
change in the state.
The
three draft documents are posted at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/index.htm.
The documents are a "Comprehensive Climate Approach for Washington"
offered by the state's Climate Advisory Team; "Preparing for the Impacts
of Climate Change in Washington" from the state's Preparation/Adaptation
Working Groups; and a citizen engagement plan created with help from
stakeholders throughout Washington.
These draft documents represent work done by the state's Climate Advisory Team,
stakeholders and state agencies in response to Gov. Chris Gregoire's Feb. 7,
2007, Executive Order. Gov. Gregoire directed the departments of Ecology
and Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to create the Climate
Advisory Team to explore and recommend how the state can reduce
climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions. She also directed work to
focus on preparing for climate change impacts, and on growing a "clean
economy" that increases clean energy jobs and reduces Washington's
dependence on foreign oil.
"Well over 300 people from around the state have been working for the past
10 months on this effort," said Janice Adair, special assistant to Ecology
Director Jay Manning. Adair heads Ecology's climate change work.
Comments on the draft documents will be accepted for a three-week period that
closes at 5 p.m. Jan. 10. The public is encouraged to submit comments
online. Comments also may be mailed to Department of Ecology, Attn:
Climate Comments, PO Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. Comments will be
summarized and posted online.
Climate
Advisory Team members will review the comments as they prepare final
recommendations for their Executive Order report. The complete, final report
will be presented to Gov. Gregoire by Feb. 7, 2008.
Climate change disrupts Washington's economy, environment and communities
through extreme weather, a warming Pacific Northwest, reduced snow pack and sea
level rise. Washington is especially vulnerable to climate change because
of our dependence on snow pack for summer stream flows and because the expected
rise in sea levels threatens our coastal communities.
Washington's environment and economy are strongly linked. Our economy depends
on natural resources, tourism and the quality of life that our environment
offers employers who want to bring their businesses and jobs here.
Climate change poses a serious threat to our environment's stability and
health, and in turn threatens our economic health and stability.
Also on the climate change website:
* Sign up for the climate change listserv for updated news and information.
* Read more about the Technical Working Groups and their work.
* Find details on the Climate Advisory Team's charge, members and minutes from
the group's meetings.
* Learn more about what the state is doing to address climate change
regionally, including cooperating with other states and Canadian provinces.
* Learn how you can comment on climate change efforts.
* Find out how you can act individually to help curb climate
change.
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Contact: Seth Preston, Ecology communications manager, 360-407-6848; spre461@ecy.wa.gov
Ecology's Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov