Seattle/King County Climate News 8.22.23
Robin Briggs
The Building Emissions Performance Standards will come before the Council starting in early Sept, with the first meeting expected on Sept. 5 in the Sustainability and Renter's Rights Committee. There will be an evening meeting, Sept. 7 at 6pm in order to hear more comments. There are two upcoming training sessions to learn more about BEPS and how to comment, 5pm on Aug. 23 with 350 Seattle or 6-8pm on Aug. 31 with the Sierra Club. You can register for either event by clicking on the links. ShiftZero did a Lunch And Learn that covers the policy in depth, you can view it here, and slides are here.
The City Council's Transportation Committee is considering rules to allow more traffic cameras to enforce speeding, block the box, restricted lane and crosswalk infringements. This was enabled by State legislation passed last spring that allows Seattle to add traffic cameras at schools, hospitals, parks, and other busy pedestrian areas. The cameras cost an estimated $4000/year to operate, but citations are expected to more than cover the costs. Unlike school zone cameras, these new cameras can operate all day, every day. Advocates believe that improved enforcement will result in fewer traffic injuries and fatalities for people not driving.
The Office of Sustainability and Environment has launched its pilot program to help electrify heavy duty trucks in the Duwamish valley. The program offers a point of sale rebate for new trucks, and covers about 40% of the cost, up to $140,000 per truck for eligible drivers and fleet owners, or $1.7 million in total funding. Drivers have until Oct. 14 to apply, successful applicants will be notified early in 2024.
The Green New Deal Oversight Board has open positions! Apply by Aug 28. The following 3-year positions are open:
Environmental justice organization representative.
Representative with experience in greenhouse gas reduction and/or climate resiliency strategies relevant to cities.
Youth representative between the ages of 16 and 25 who is directly impacted by racial, economic, and environmental injustices
Representative directly impacted by racial, economic, and environmental injustices.
King County
The County announced a new Energize! Heat Pump pilot program, which will install 120-150 free or discounted heat pumps in White Center and Skyway-West Hill unincorporated areas. The program is open to single-family homeowners and renters; income-qualified residents may get 80%-100% of their costs covered.
State
The State has applied for $200 million in Federal funding for planning for a high speed, 250 mph rail service from Portland to Vancouver, BC by 2050. Washington's 8 democratic congressional representatives and 2 senators all signed off on the funding request. It would create an entirely new rail right of way, not part of either BNSF or Amtrak. In 2017, a State report estimated the cost of the entire route when built at $42 billion, and construction prices have risen since then. Presumably, Washington would not be responsible for the entire cost. The State has already put $50 million into planning, and promised an additional $100 million.
Elsewhere
A Montana judge ruled in favor of Our Children's Trust in a lawsuit filed by Montana youth who argued that the State of Montana, by not taking climate change into account, violates the youth's rights under the State Constitution to a "clean and healthful environment." This is the first time such a suit has won in court. The State has 60 days to appeal the decision to the State Supreme Court. A similar case in Hawaii is scheduled to go to court in June 2024.
