Join WSLC at March 14 hearing for Clean Energy Transition Act

OLYMPIA (March 10, 2017) — Despite having a federal government that refuses to acknowledge climate change, the coalition of individuals, organizations and businesses that comprise the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy strongly believes that Washington state can, and must, step up as a leader for effective and equitable climate policy.

The Clean Energy Transition Act (HB 1646), sponsored by Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien), will have a public hearing in the House Environment Committee on Tuesday, March 14 in Olympia. This bill represents an innovative, comprehensive climate solution based on the principles of the Alliance, investing in 21st century infrastructure and delivering economic and environmental justice to communities disproportionately impacted by poverty and pollution. In the process, the Evergreen State can become a global leader in cutting carbon equitably and effectively. Read more about the bill here.

TAKE A STAND — Union members and community supporters are urged to attend the Tuesday, March 14 hearing in Olympia to demonstrate broad support for this important measure. Click here to RSVP and get more info. The action begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Washington State Labor Council’s Olympia office, 906 S. Columbia St. SW #200, for coffee and mingling with fellow activists, followed by a policy briefing and activist training. Then break for lunch and stop by your legislator’s office with a packet urging support for the bill before meeting at the John O’Brien Building at 1:30 p.m. for the bill’s hearing.

“I want to thank Representative Fitzgibbon for sponsoring and hearing HB 1646,” said WSLC President Jeff Johnson, who serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance. “While the White House ponders whether to keep the United States in the Paris Climate Accords, Rep. Fitzgibbon understands that climate change is real, is wreaking havoc on our economy and our environment, and must be dealt with, with urgency.”

The Clean Energy Transition Act prices pollution and funds the solutions to climate change: investing in clean energy, clean water and healthy forests, and protecting disproportionately impacted communities and workers in the process.

“HB 1646 recognizes that we must tax carbon and that we must invest those revenues in providing equity, high quality jobs, and the clean energy economy,” Johnson said. “The economic transition away from fossil fuels must be intentional and done in such a way that workers and communities are not left behind, but have an opportunity to prosper in the new economy.”

This is a great opportunity to demand change from our legislators. Please RSVP and join us on Tuesday, March 14 in Olympia.