8b Motion 2018-13
MOTION 2018-13: A MOTION OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION endorsing Washington State Initiative 1631, a state-wide carbon "pollution fee" on sources of greenhouse gas pollutants that would direct revenue to reducing pollution, promoting clean energy, and addressing climate impacts. ADOPTED OCTOBER 23, 2018 INTRODUCTION The Port of Seattle Commission, in keeping with its environmental goals and the port's Century Agenda, is considering the following motion formally endorsing Washington State Initiative 1631. This action follows a briefing in public session on October 9, conducted in accordance with recommendations provided to the port by the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, and after receiving testimony from members of the public representing both sides of the issue. Both campaigns were provided equal opportunity to present their positions, and all speakers were provided equal time to present their views. TEXT OF THE MOTION The Port Commission hereby endorses Washington State Initiative 1631, to be considered on the ballot at the November 6, 2018, general election. STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION The Port of Seattle is a public agency that is focused on the triple bottom line. The commission embraces our responsibility of helping the port be a major job creator for King County and the state. The strategic management of industrial and public lands enables us to help sustain a diverse and inclusive economy. The stewardship of the natural and built environment supports our work as well as that of our tenants and surrounding communities now and into the future. The port's Century Agenda guides our actions to: "Be the greenest and most energy efficient port in North America." It includes objectives related to reducing air pollutants and carbon emissions associated with port operations and facilities; calls for meeting increased energy needs through conservation and renewable sources; and seeks to meet or exceed agency requirements for stormwater leaving port-owned facilities. Motion 2018-13 Endorsing Washington Initiative 1631 Page 1 of 3 In December 2017 the port commission revised the Century Agenda objectives to further strengthen our goals of reducing air pollutants and carbon emissions. The port joined King County Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) to align our climate goals and to leverage collective actions throughout the region. In December 2017, the Port of Seattle Commission adopted a motion that set the most aggressive goals of any airport operator in the nation for the implementation of sustainable aviation fuels. The port's 2018 state legislative agenda calls for the development and use of clean energy sources to reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels and seek to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time supporting new economic opportunities. Our long-term commitments to reduce carbon-intensive energy use have taken on a renewed sense of urgency as evidenced by increased frequency of forest fires, warming salmon streams, sea level rise, and increasing ocean acidification. The plight of the endangered population of resident killer whales has served to galvanize public attention of the fact that there is a pressing need for bold actions. The significance of these readily observable changes is underscored by the recently released report by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The report underscores the significance of the challenges society faces as it seeks to reverse the global warming trend, and the immediate need for government action. Further highlighting the need for bold climate action was the decision of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences to award the Nobel Prize for economics to two scientists who have long argued that economic growth must be environmentally sustainable. They determined that economic sustainability is best achieved by putting a price on carbon and by estimating the cost of not taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Putting a price on carbon is the prime focus of Initiative 1631. The funds generated by the fee will be used to reduce the state's demand for carbon intensive energy, develop new clean energy technologies, help to restore marine resources, improve wildfire management, promote conservation through sustainable agriculture practices, and increase the sustainability of the water supply. The initiative also includes provisions to ensure that families with low incomes are not disproportionately impacted, and to help workers transition to jobs in a new clean-energy economy and requires close collaboration with tribal governments. As an economic development agency, the Port of Seattle is keenly interested in investing in jobs of the future. By investing in the solutions to the the greatest challenge of our time, the state can lead the nation and the world in developing the next generation of maritime, aviation, and other technologies from which all can benefit. Motion 2018-13 Endorsing Washington Initiative 1631 Page 2 of 3 It also means protecting clean air and clean water for our neighbors, our children, and vulnerable communities living with asthma as well as those whose economic, social, and cultural well-being are dependent on a healthy environment. For these reasons, the Port of Seattle welcomes the opportunity to be part of the broad coalition of supporters who strongly endorse the adoption of Initiative Measure No. 1631. We look forward to working with the state and legislative leaders who will ultimately decide how best to fund the reduction of harmful emissions and to help further our state's leadership in establishing a path toward a sustainable future. Motion 2018-13 Endorsing Washington Initiative 1631 Page 3 of 3
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