COP27: State and local governments can go further, faster to counteract climate change

Earlier this week in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Gov. Jay Inslee attended the 27^th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP27). Other U.S. governors who attended included Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

During his three days at COP27, Inslee met with dozens of national and subnational leaders who all share a common goal of combatting climate change and meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement. One of Inslee’s key messages was emphasizing the important role state, provincial and local governments play in implementing policies while national governments stall.

The recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act was a frequent topic of discussion. The law offers the most significant step towards meeting U.S. emission reduction goals and empowers state and local governments already implementing major climate policies.

“My state is moving faster and further than any other state to eliminate the need for fossil fuels,” said Inslee. “We are accepting our moral responsibility to eliminate the need and demand for oil and gas down to zero over the next several decades. That is a commitment we have made, and a necessary one.”

On his first full day at COP27, the governor announced Washington state’s membership in the Transportation Decarbonization Alliance. Transportation is Washington state’s top source of emissions. Policies to transition to zero emission vehicles are a centerpiece of the state’s decarbonization strategy, which also includes promoting active transportation options such as cycling or walking, and more effective zoning that allows people to reduce the miles they must drive to work, school, or errands.

On his final day in Egypt, Inslee announced Washington’s membership to the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance. BOGA is an international alliance of governments and stakeholders working together to facilitate the managed phase-out of oil and gas production. At the announcement event, Inslee talked about how Washington’s clean transportation, clean building codes, and cap-and-invest programs will help drive down demand for gas and oil so it can stay in the ground.

See more of Inslee’s COP27 activities on Flickr.

One year later, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments begin to pay off in Washington state

President Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law one year ago, the single largest investment in public transit, passenger rail, clean water, affordable internet, or electrical grid resiliency in national history. It's also the single largest investment in the national highway system since the Eisenhower administration. The legislation was signed one year ago, and now $3.7 billion in federal funds are on the way to Washington state to expand and rebuild critical infrastructure.

More than 1 million Washington households may benefit from the legislation’s affordable internet program. A new $161 million fund is already helping Washington communities remove lead pipes and replace service lines. The state network of electric vehicle charging stations got a boost with $70 million will be invested over the next five years to increase their numbers.

Washington state has 416 bridges and 5,469 miles of roadway in poor condition. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide $5.3 billion in guaranteed formula money over the next five years to address aging infrastructure. The state has already received $2.2 billion in formula and discretionary grant awards from the legislation, and is putting that to work.

Major projects supported by the legislation include:

• Repairs to the Grays Harbor north jetty, a critical navigation channel
• Terminal replacement at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport
• Post-wildfire habitat revitalization and sagebrush conservation in Douglas County
• Replacement of an obsolete ferry with a hybrid-electric model to serve the Lummi Island community
• Repairs to the Salmon Bay Bridge to extend its lifespan by 50 years

WSDOT aims to close Camp Hope, secure safe shelter for residents before winter

With winter on the way that could impact the 467 unsheltered residents of Camp Hope near Spokane, state agencies are arranging necessities for the camp's residents: warmth, water, and shelter. The encampment will close, but only once each resident has been safely sheltered and offered assistance to break the cycle of homelessness.

This initiative is led by three state agencies – the state departments of Commerce and Transportation and the Washington State Patrol. It's a result of Gov. Jay Inslee's request to the Legislature earlier this year to address increasing safety issues along state highways. State agencies work in partnership with numerous local governments and non-profit partners. Statewide, more than 150 people have been helped by the program to date. State agencies are repeating these successes in other parts of the state, including Camp Hope.

WSDOT has put up fencing and provides 24/7 security at the site. WSDOT also recently imported gravel to address slip hazards and potable water to ensure public health and safety. Each resident has agreed to rules and signed a good neighbor agreement. The departments of Licensing, Health and Social and Health Services have arranged for hundreds of residents to procure identification, birth certificates and food assistance. Interim safety of the site has improved dramatically, and the long-term prospects for each resident will have improved thanks to a deliberate housing-first approach. Service providers are working with each resident to transition them into safe, secure housing, but housing availability remain a challenge.

“Homelessness and housing affordability are hurting communities all across the country. The scale of this challenge is daunting, but we are learning that the new approaches we’re taking can and will work,” said. Gov Jay Inslee as he recently previewed homelessness legislative priorities. “There is no simple answer for fixing homelessness fast. In the short term, we need more housing options and shelters that provide more services so people get back on their feet. Over the long term, we need more housing that average workers can afford. Both of those solutions require every community to do their part.”

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Native & Strong Lifeline goes live

The nation’s first crisis lifeline for American Indian and Alaska Native populations has launched in Washington state. The Native and Strong Lifeline, part of the statewide 9-8-8 system, activated Thursday, Nov. 17. Historical trauma, disproportionate poverty, and other factors contribute to an increased risk of suicide for Native populations. Native and Strong Lifeline operators are all tribal members or descendants, and they receive specialized training to help American Indian and Alaska Native people through crisis.

Nancy Pelosi steps down from Democratic leadership

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to be speaker of the United States House of Representatives, announced Thursday that she would step down from Democratic caucus leadership. She was first sworn in as speaker in 2007 and became a generational force in American politics through four presidential administrations.

“Watching Speaker Pelosi’s speech tonight, I took particular note in her insight that the American people have assured our flag still waves,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “Her strength is a major reason for that. Serving in congress, I witnessed her historic leadership time and time again.”

Sen. Patty Murray to become Senate president pro tempore

Sen. Patty Murray, recently re-elected for a sixth term representing Washington state in the United States Senate, is likely to become the first woman to serve as Senate president pro tempore. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer announced his intent to nominate Murray on Wednesday. Murray is the second-most senior member of the majority party, first elected to the Senate in 1993. The Senate president pro tempore is third in line to the presidency, following the vice president and the speaker of the house. Murray is also likely to assume leadership of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Dangerous floods possible near sites of recent wildfires

King County officials have warned residents that flash floods and debris flows are possible in the vicinity of the Bolt Creek fire. Land scarred by wildfire is weakened, and flash floods are possible even after minimal precipitation. Residents should prepare for possible flooding and subscribe to emergency alerts through their local jurisdiction.

Amazon, state Department of Health team up to promote produce

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) and Pandemic EBT recipients can now use SNAP Produce Match for grocery delivery or in-store Amazon Fresh purchases. SNAP Produce Match rewards shoppers with a $5 promotion towards future purchases after purchasing at least $10 of fruits and vegetables on their SNAP/EBT card. Stocking fresh, delicious, and often local produce is now easier and more affordable for SNAP recipients.

Child care providers statewide receive boost from state Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce Monday announced $27.3 million in grants to support 253 child care providers across the state. The grants will fund roof repairs, safety measures, playground improvements, and other investments to maintain child care facilities. Projects of particular benefit to children with special needs, or those located within a low-income area or child care desert, were favored among submissions. More than 8,000 children will benefit from the grants.