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. 

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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. 

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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. 















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