A SUSTAINABLE Washington

The “Evergreen State” is more than a name – it’s a policy solution.

Progressive-seeming Washington is a state with tall trees, rolling hills, and deep water; unfortunately, our state’s actual climate record contradicts the picturesque eco-conscious image we like to project. While making use of federal funds, we must also mobilize public programs to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis. Much more than the future hangs in the balance; in the present, the public sector can pave a new era of mass transit, renewable energy, and cities in harmony with nature. A better Washington is a sustainable Washington, and a sustainable Washington initiates three kinds of programs:

1. Green Jobs

There is no market path to climate justice; only labor can get us there.

2. A Just Transition

Those closest to the problem of climate change are closest to the solution.

3. Public Problems, Public Solutions

We must move from private incentives to public mandates.

Green Jobs

Enact a comprehensive Climate Bill of Rights for Washington workers.

Establish a Workforce Transition Council to guide labor’s role in state climate programs.

Collaborate with Dept. of L&I to ensure implementation of Outdoor Heat Exposure laws.

Expand climate workforce development programs between unions and state schools.

Fair pay and job reentry program for incarcerated firefighters.

Establish a Thermal District Utility and Jobs Act.

Identify reliable sources of long-term funding to reach state transit justice targets.

Provide 14 “climate days” a year for all workers in Washington State.

A Just Transition

Establish a statewide “cool proofs” program to be piloted in the Tri-Cities.

Establish neighborhood cooling centers for extreme weather events.

Ensure full implementation of the HEAL Act for race equity in state climate projects.

Exempt deemed “climate products” (bikes, bike accessories, etc.) from regressive state sales taxes.

Green Public Programs

Increase and lift the revenue cap on the state Oil Spill Tax to fund state climate projects like mass transit, social housing, and green thoroughways.

Grow Washington’s energy portfolio with offshore wind and solar production.

Protect youth greenspace and playground funding from being raided by pro sports teams.

Utilize federal funds to create permanent state climate programs.

Upgrade and expand Washington’s electrical grid.

Engage the WA State Investment Board to divest completely from fossil fuels.

Fund a green transformation of Aurora Avenue and other major arterial roads.

Prevent foresting on public lands.

Commit to 100% in-state net-zero energy by 2030.

Carbon-free schools and public buildings by 2030.

Commit to 100% electric school buses.

Incentivize the production and consumption of sustainable aviation fuel.

Permit and assist schools to remain open for extreme weather events.

Establish a renewals purchasing program.

Set statewide targets for sidewalk and transit expansion.

Establish concrete goals for renewable energy storage and building retrofitting.

Modifying zoning codes in Washington cities to permit the construction of more deeply affordable housing that can reduce commute times and the resulting carbon emissions.

Increase investment in public and social housing that can allow people to live closer to where they work.