350 Wenatchee Climate Conversations NCW

Photo: Green Energy Futures

Dear Jeanne,

What if we told you that for every $1 million invested in low-carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure, we generate nearly $2 million in local spending, create 10 family-wage jobs, and save an average of $6 million in avoidable future costs?

Well, the Washington STRONG Act would do just that, and state Senators need your support to clear its next hurdle to becoming law! Senators need to hear from you before Thursday’s make-or-break committee hearing — even if you’ve commented on it before or your Senator already supports it.

What will the Washington STRONG Act (SB 5373) do?

• Make big investments in local climate solutions. Many localities have climate action plans and wish-lists, but without sufficient funding, all these plans and ideas stay on paper. Examples of qualifying investments include energy efficiency and HVAC upgrades, forest health projects, clean transportation projects and broadband access. These create jobs and save future costs.
• Promote equity and environmental justice. Washington STRONG was crafted with frontline communities, rural communities and many other stakeholders. Investments will be prioritized based on data from the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, the WA State Health Disparities Map, recommendations from the state’s Environmental Justice Task Force, and emerging socioeconomic data from the COVID crisis. It will provide billions of dollars in investments for low-cost fossil fuel alternatives and provide direct relief to low and middle-income households.
• Require oversight and accountability. Washington STRONG provides a protected revenue source solely for making the climate investments that have been underfunded for years. All investments must meet strict criteria that demonstrate measurable climate benefits.

The transition to a clean energy economy is as simple as asking Washington’s skilled workers to do the same jobs they’ve been doing all along, just with new and better materials. Let’s equip them with the tools they need to build a brighter future.

See the full bill, read a one-page summary, or this slightly more in-depth summary.

Thank you for all you do!

—The RE Sources team

We promote sustainable communities and protect the health of northwestern Washington’s people and ecosystems through application of science, education, advocacy and action.
re-sources.org