2009 Press Clips
OUR VIEW | Zabinski and Horton Are Best Choices for Port
What’s refreshing about the Port of Bremerton commissioner’s race is that the choices are clear. Too often, voters have difficulty finding substantive differences among candidates and how they would serve, if elected. But not so in this race. Competing for the seat are Gene Hart, Lynn Horton and Roger Zabinski.
Environmental lobby sets good priorities
Environmentalists in this state have learned that they can have more influence if they pool their resources and unite behind a handful of top legislative priorities. It's a strategy they've used since 2003, and as a result they can point to multiple achievements that include the all-out effort to clean up Puget Sound, legislation to phase out toxic flame retardants in certain consumer products, the promotion of biofuel technology and increased use of clean fuels and vehicles.
Transit-oriented communities a positive move for environment
Our state may face no challenge greater than the threat of global warming and the lack of sufficient affordable housing -- and we can't solve either unless we solve both. Unrelated issues, you say? Think again.
Huff will keep elections-director job
King County Elections Director Sherril Huff won a decisive victory over five challengers Tuesday night in the county's first vote to choose an elections administrator. Huff held more than a 2-to-1 lead over her second-place competitor, former Metropolitan King County Councilmember David Irons.
Joel Connelly Blogs about our Annual Breakfast
Although Washington Conservation Voters has jettisoned the longtime name of its annual breakfast - "Wake Up for the Environment" - Gov. Chris Gregoire woke up an early Tuesday morning crowd at The Westin with the most focused speech of her reelection campaign.
Planning the greener future
If there is an advantage to a poor economy, it's the chance to slow down and plan a better future. Environmentalists have a package of proposals that would lead to smarter energy use and a more sustainable, vibrant economy.
A green slate for Seattle City Council?
The Sierra Club's Michael O'Brien is one of a growing number of strong, pragmatic enviro-candidates running to make the Emerald City even greener. He also receives praise from the Washington Conservation Voters. Spokesperson Sudha Nandagopal says "It's great to see a list of candidates like Mike and Jessie Israel who come from a tradition of working in the environmental community and believe in these issues.”
Provide incentives for cities, residents to avoid sprawl
Sprawl is the most expensive way for a community to grow, notes Washington Rep. Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island. She makes a case for a bill she is sponsoring to require local governments to consider the impacts of their land-use decisions on climate change and to ensure that new growth around transit stations includes affordable housing.
Global Warming: No time to hesitate
As a new report documents, Washington faces serious troubles that must move state leaders to act quickly and aggressively. It was farsighted of the Legislature to order the study during the 2007 legislative session, a step that fit well with initiatives by Gov. Chris Gregoire, lawmakers and many businesses to keep pace with the latest science on global warming. It's vital for the Legislature to show just as much vision this year by passing the governor's proposal for limiting global warming emissions through a cap and trade system.
Industries should help pay for oil-spill prevention
The state Legislature has introduced two bills — one sponsored by our state senator, Kevin Ranker; the other co-sponsored by our state representatives, Jeff Morris and Dave Quall — which would require the cargo, cruise and oil industries to pay for a year-round response tug at Neah Bay to prevent oil spills.
Murray: Stimulus not quick fix, but it's an important first step
In a recent visit to Olympia, Senator Patty Murray said the state should try to pass a so-called cap-and-trade proposal to reduce global warming and give polluters a way to buy credits if they cannot meet limits for greenhouse gases. "That would make it easier for me at the federal level to protect what is important to Washington state," Murray said. "It's much easier for me to say, 'we can't pre-empt our state law.' "
State should be at forefront of green economy
Supporters of [Governor Gregoire's] cap-and-trade legislation got a bit of a boost last week with the release of a state-financed scientific report on climate change effects faced by this state. The report, based on different global scenarios and different levels of greenhouse gas emissions, projects additional deaths, poor summer air quality, effects to agriculture in Eastern Washington, reduced snow pack and lower water flows in rivers.
Full state House to consider cap on greenhouse gas emissions
Washington state just got one step closer to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. House Bill 1819, which has the backing of Gov. Chris Gregoire, passed out of committee this week. The bill would impose a cap and trade system, in which a cap would be placed on companies' emissions.
The hot debate over mandating density at transit stations
If [House Bill 1490] doesn't pass, revised neighborhood plans will nonetheless likely call for significant zoning changes that may approach the threshold that the bill aims for. These revisions, however, will not include the more ambitious affordability measures in House Bill 1490 — pointing to the possibility that, if they defeat the bill, opponents may find themselves with both increased density and increased displacement.
Cap-and-invest approach good for environment and economy
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire's Cap-and-Invest bill will not only help the environment by capping greenhouse gas emissions but also improve the state's economy and national security, argues Michael Butler, CEO of Cascadia Capital. The approach is a great opportunity for the state to lead transformation to a new cleaner energy system.
Legislation makes Strait's oil-spill boat permanent
The Washington Senate and House of Representatives last week both passed nearly identical pieces of legislation (HB1409 and SB5344) requiring oil tankers, cargo ships and other vessels entering Washington waters through the Strait of Juan de Fuca to pay for a tug to be assigned permanently to Neah Bay, near the state's extreme northwestern tip.
Protect Initiative 937's incentives for renewable power
The Washington state Senate should reject an attempt to weaken voter-approved Initiative 937, argues Congressman Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island. Voters were forward-thinking when they approved the 2006 measure to encourage more development of nonhydropower renewable resources — an objective that fits well with President Obama's vision for a role for clean energy in the 21st-century economy.
Gray areas linger in green efforts
Environmentalists are fretting over the passage of two pieces of legislation they say could stall those efforts -- even undo some of the progress made on climate change."Big Business and utilities have resisted [I-937] since the day it was contemplated. They don't want to be told what to do, and they're doing fear-mongering around rate increases to roll back the initiative," said Cliff Traisman, the state's lead lobbyist on environmental issues.
Explain the pause on a key climate-change bill
Washington state's laudable progress on greenhouse gas emissions has hit a legislative roadblock. Gov. Gregoire and Democratic leaders need to explain the slow down. Is the economy too vulnerable, does the plan need more time to develop or is there a loss of enthusiasm?
Potential changes to initiative alarm supporters of clean energy
The state Senate passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5840, which would roll back the requirement in Initiative 937 that utilities with at least 25,000 customers secure 15 percent of their energy by 2020 from new renewable resources such as wind and solar power and through energy conservation.
Lawmakers thwart Gregoire's cap-and-trade plan on climate
Gov. Chris Gregoire's attempt to push Washington to the forefront of climate-change regulation appears mortally wounded in the state Legislature by fears it could hurt the economy. Both the state House and Senate have balked at adopting the so-called "cap-and-trade" system that would have forced industries to cut greenhouse-gas emissions to fall below a cap or buy extra permits in something resembling a stock market.
Washington century: Too many posers
We thought the state's progressives and moderates had made up their minds to be leaders in addressing climate change. But it seems that many Democrats in the Legislature are green posers who talk a good game but turn a cowardly shade of yellow when action is needed.
Show a green commitment
Contrary to the apparent fears of most state senators, it is in our state's economic interest to be a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. House members should consider that as they take up a Senate bill that severely weakened the governor's proposal to implement a cap-and-trade system in 2012.
Washington governor steps in to rescue climate bill
Democratic Washington governor, Chris Gregoire, made a rare appearance this morning before the House Committee on Ecology and Parks, urging state lawmakers to try to resuscitate the "climate action" legislation she unveiled in January from the drive-by shooting it suffered last week in the Senate.
Gregoire pleads for teeth in a climate bill
Gov. Chris Gregoire made a rare appearance Tuesday before a state legislative committee to urge a stronger climate-change measure aimed at cutting pollution.
Washington state can lead the way to a green economy
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire writes that innovators in the state are poised to reverse climate change, make our world safer, and create a green 21st century economy -- all by reducing use of fossil fuels.
WA Legislature debates clean-energy initiative changes
Two years after Washington voters compelled utilities to use cleaner energy, Initiative 937 backers say a measure in the state Legislature would gut that law.
Environmental Protections Take Budget Hit
State lawmakers struggling to fill a 9 billion-dollar budget gap without raising taxes have slashed funding for education, health care and more. KPLU environment reporter Liam Moriarty explains that programs for environmental protections are on the chopping block, as well.
Gov. Gregoire: Crisis offers Washington a chance to become a leader in solving challenge of climate change
This economic crisis is the right time to position Washington to be a leader in solving the challenge of climate change, argues Gov. Chris Gregoire. She urges the Legislature to take steps now that will keep the state on the cutting edge of responsible environmental stewardship.
Washington House OKs bill for fee on oil products
The state House has approved a $1.50 fee on each barrel of certain oil products brought into Washington, with supporters saying the money will help pay for cleaning up stormwater runoff that pollutes Puget Sound and other waters.
Oil barrel fee is approved for Puget Sound clean-up
The House just voted by the narrowest of margins to approve a $1.50 per barrel fee on petroleum products. The debate was strong on both sides, and environmental groups ranging from Washington Environmental Council to People for Puget Sound strongly backed the measure.
Seattle, utility to help pay for home energy audits
As part of the Green Building Capital Initiative, Mayor Greg Nickels aims to increase the efficiency of Seattle buildings by helping residents and business owners help themselves. Nickels is combining some $1.2 million of Seattle's federal stimulus money with some $1.5 million from local utility Seattle City Light to fund $95 home energy audits. In addition, money will go toward a loan program that would help make efficiency improvements affordable once the audits are completed.
Nissan to bring EV network to Seattle
In a nonexclusive partnership with Nissan North America, the city of Seattle will promote the development of electric-charging infrastructure. “The city is committed to creating an environment that is kind to EVs,” said Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels (D).
Seattle recycling taken to next level
Seattle will become the first city in King County to mandate food- and yard-waste service March 30. City officials said residents already recycle almost 50 percent of their total waste. They hope the food-waste-recycling push will help the city get that number to the mayor's goal of 60 percent. Recycling more, and throwing out less garbage, is intended to help the city put off building a third transfer station.
E.P.A. Clears Way for Greenhouse Gas Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday formally declared carbon dioxide and five other heat-trapping gases to be pollutants that endanger public health and welfare, setting in motion a process that will lead to the regulation of the gases for the first time in the United States.
Fund for wildlife habitat is money well spent
One of the few bright spots of the 2009 legislative session was the decision to set aside $70 million in the state construction budget for wildlife habitat, farmland preservation and recreation opportunities. The $70 million for the next two-year budget period will fund 95 projects across the state.
Seattle's day to tell EPA how to fix climate
Today in a meeting hall overlooking Seattle's waterfront, more than 180 people — from the governor to the mayor to high school students — will one by one tell the Obama administration how the U.S. should tackle climate change.
Ray of light in Washington state's new energy law
A sweeping energy-efficiency bill passed by the Legislature, though obscured from public view by the budget crisis and Alaskan Way Viaduct debate, could generate a business bonanza for companies ranging from architects and engineers to mechanical contractors. The “Efficiency First” bill was one of the few victories for the environmental community in this year’s legislative session, but it’s a significant one.
Keeping Kitsap Green Key to Quality of Life, Commissioners Say
Kitsap County commissioners say the future of Kitsap County is closely tied to protecting the area's natural resources and helping people live sustainable lifestyles. In a forum Wednesday night sponsored by Kitsap Conservation Voters, the commissioners outlined what they say are the county's biggest challenges
Who will ride Sound Transit light-rail trains?
Voters first said yes to light rail 13 years ago, and now, $2.6 billion later, the success of this megaproject depends on the individual choices of thousands of ordinary travelers.
Time to scale up the new energy economy
The federal finding that climate pollution hurts public health is not the only reason society should step up efforts to combat climate change, write guest columnists Steve Reynolds and K.C. Golden. A stronger economic recovery will occur with such investment.
EPA to hear public comments on greenhouse gases
Gov. Chris Gregoire is among those who plan to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to finalize a determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health.
EPA panel hears from governor, lawmakers, Starbucks
The governor, a pair of state lawmakers and even a representative from Starbucks this morning told a government panel that evidence is overwhelming that greenhouse gases already are causing painful climate changes around the globe.
Governor Gregoire signs climate executive order, citizens rally for climate action
Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed an executive order aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. She signed the order after testifying at an Environmental Protection Agency hearing in Seattle on a proposed finding that greenhouse gases threaten health.
Climate-change action picks up on three fronts
Purposeful activity by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire indicate the momentum that has replaced debate on climate change.
Gov. Gregoire orders state agencies to cut greenhouse-gas emissions
Gov. Chris Gregoire on Thursday ordered the state to reach agreement with its single largest polluter to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by half over the next 15 years
Washington governor orders cutbacks in emissions
Her Legislature refused to impose a cap-and-trade system, so Gov. Chris Gregoire issues an executive order affecting a coal-fired power plant, public transit and other programs.
Edmonds council votes for plastic-bag ban
The Edmonds City Council voted 4-2 Tuesday night to ban free, single-use plastic bags at all retail outlets in the city, pending an environmental review that could be done within the month. A final vote will be required before the measure becomes law.
Reps. Waxman, Peterson Inch Closer to Consensus on Climate Bill
House Democrats are within sight of agreement on a comprehensive energy and global warming bill, but it is still unclear if they have satisfied enough rural and fiscal conservative lawmakers to guarantee the votes for floor passage by next week.
Nancy Pelosi to bring climate change bill to the floor
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will roll the dice on a top priority this week, bringing a contentious climate change bill to the floor despite strong misgivings from her rank-and-file and an outspoken chairman who remains a major impediment.
Activist groups rally support for climate bill
List of environmental activist groups that are publicizing the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454).
The Moment of Truth: The House and Global Warming
Editorial supporting the environmental legislation of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454).
Weekly Address: Opening the Door to a Clean Energy Economy
President Obama praises historic energy legislation passed by the House of Representatives. The legislation will help America create green jobs, ensure clean air for our children, move towards energy independence and combat climate change.
House Passes Bill to Address Threat of Climate Change
The House passed legislation on Friday intended to address global warming and transform the way the nation produces and uses energy. The vote was the first time either house of Congress had approved a bill meant to curb the heat-trapping gases scientists have linked to climate change.
One hurdle down for climate bill, 60 more to go
House Democrats late Friday eked out a win on the American Clean Energy and Security Act, getting just one more vote than was necessary to pass the sweeping bill. The victory marks the first major action by the U.S. Congress to address climate change, but the narrowness of the vote suggests the fragile nature of the effort to restructure the country’s energy portfolio.
Large crowd for King County Executive Candidate debate
Among fellow Democrats seeking to succeed him as King County executive, there is unanimous agreement that the "house that Ron Sims built" has fallen into disrepair and needs a rebuild.
County Executive race: 4 candidates show for environment forum
Though August 18 is the official date for the primary election, voting begins in less than a month, as King County Elections will start mailing ballots four weeks from today (military/overseas ballots even sooner). Candidates in the hottest incumbentless race, King County Executive, talked environmental issues last night at Town Hall downtown, as a sizable audience looked on.
Environmental agendas at the Green Choice Debate
Last night, Town Hall was more than half full—hundreds of people—ready to watch all the candidates running for county executive shred each other’s environmental agenda at a forum sponsored by a coalition of environmental groups.
Executive Candidates Debate King County's Green Future
Last night, the candidates for King County Executive met at Town Hall for a debate on the environmental problems facing the county. The candidates had similar views for the future of the county, as every candidate opposed an increase in county or property taxes to support programs, supported a strong transit system, and unanimously agreed upon the county’s responsibility in the Duwamish river pollution problem.
Executive Action at the Green Choice Debate
As we reported in the Fizz this morning, the four Democrats vying for King County Executive faced off in a debate at Town Hall last night. The debate was sponsored by a crew of environmental groups and focused on environmental issues.
EPA lets 13 states get tougher on new vehicles
Federal officials on Tuesday cleared California to impose tough greenhouse gas limits on new motor vehicles that more than a dozen other states, including Washington state, can follow immediately and that will form the basis of new nationwide rules in 2012.
Nickels tops $500k in fundraising, Mallahan at $320k
The latest campaign fundraising reports for the Seattle mayor's race were due today, and, not surprisingly, incumbent Mayor Greg Nickels topped the pack with $510,000 raised for his reelection bid. He spent a huge chunk of that, but still reports $39,000 cash on hand.
World's largest solar plant may be built in Cle Elum
The sunny, Central Washington town of Cle Elum could be the site of the world's largest solar photovoltaic power plant, if a Washington company makes good on plans announced today.
South Sound can help lead the way toward a green economy
Is the local economy on the verge of a turn for the better? If so, it might be turning green. The Thurston Economic Development Council recently devoted its entire 2009 economic update forum to the topic of “Creating a Green Economy.”
Light rail expected to boost neighborhood businesses
Sound Transit's Light Rail opens Saturday July 18, but businesses up and down the line have been anticipating the new commerce the mass transit is expected to drum up for years.
Under attack, Nickels touts aggressive transportation, neighborhood agenda
Mayor Greg Nickels said if re-elected he would focus on 4 key areas: transportation, neighborhoods, jobs and social services. Nickels said he wanted to elevate the debate in the mayoral race by focusing on substantive things he hopes to do in the next four years.
Finally! Light rail is here
The 14-mile line from downtown Seattle to Tukwila opened to the public Satuday to a sizable crowd, sunny weather and the first of two free-ride days that drew the curious along with the advocates.
Governors say climate policy could create jobs
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said her state has already created in two years nearly twice the 25,000 new "green" jobs it set as a goal to reach by 2020. Those workers include architects who design energy-efficient buildings, venture capitalists investing in new technology, and farmers growing the next generation of biofuels, she said.
Should Nick be nervous of Jessie?
Jessie Israel's tack on Licata and transit has gotten her some media traction and dovetailed with last weekend's light-rail opening, helping to frame the election on terms that Israel believes are her strengths—Seattle's long-term urban development and growth management.
USDA Sees House Climate Bill Yielding Long-Term Benefits for Agriculture
The Agriculture Department released its analysis of the House-passed climate bill showing the cap-and-trade legislation having modest short-term costs for agriculture and long-term net benefits for the sector.
Voters Have Wide Choice in Three-Way Port of Bremerton Race
A former mayor, a research scientist and a Navy retiree all say they’re best for the Port of Bremerton commission.
Tacoma approves regulations to allow taller buildings
The Tacoma City Council unanimously approved new development regulations for its mixed-use centers Tuesday night, effectively increasing the density and building heights allowed in 16 of Tacoma’s commercial centers.
Senate Democrats Tie Climate Effort to National Security
Senate Democrats are increasingly relying on the connection between global warming and national security as they craft legislation to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Edmonds is first city in state to ban plastic grocery bags
The Edmonds City Council approved the ban Tuesday night 5-1, saying plastic bags hurt the environment and are easily replaced by reusable grocery bags.
After Years of Debate, Light Rail Trains Enter Town
It takes only a few moments to ride an elevator from the platform of the famous and once futuristic Seattle monorail down to the platform of this city’s new $3.9 billion light rail line. Creating the connection, though, took nearly a half-century.
City Council votes to save Seattle trees
The City Council passed two measures Monday designed to protect trees in Seattle, a goal members said is not in conflict with plans to increase the number of people and buildings in the Emerald City as well.
Learning to Love the Bag Fee
When you look into the oceans of problems plastic bags create, the case for Seattle's well-crafted grocery-bag fee becomes overwhelming. And the opponents' arguments are underwhelming.
Snohomish County Council, District 5: Four square off in county’s toughest contest
It’s known as the toughest political contest in Snohomish County. And true to tradition, the race for the county council’s eastern 5th District is shaping up to be busy. Democratic incumbent Dave Somers faces three Republican opponents in the Aug. 18 primary.
The Seattle Times endorses Sally Bagshaw and Jessie Israel for Seattle City Council
Change is coming to the Seattle City Council, which will become a more reasonable place to do business if voters make wise choices in this year's primary-election contests.
Re-elect Dave Somers in Snohomish County Council District 5.
Snohomish County Councilman Dave Somers, who drew three opponents in the Aug. 18 primary, is endorsed for another four-year term.
Greg Nickels for Mayor
All serious Seattle candidates say they’ll fight for transit, but Mayor Greg Nickels has an especially sterling record on this score. On the most important issue facing this region — whether or not to build rail — Nickels has been on the right side of the argument, and in the cockpit of many of the key decisions.
State near top on cutting thirst for oil
Washington tops all but two states in its effort to reduce its appetite for oil, according to a report released Tuesday by a national environmental group. Ranked No. 3: Natural Resources Defense Council scores efforts
Judge rejects Maury Island gravel-mine permit
A federal judge has thrown out a permit that would have allowed a gravel mining company to get back to work next week building a controversial 305-foot dock on Maury Island.
Election 2009 closeup coverage: Council candidate Jessie Israel
Jessie Israel is seeking to replace a Councilmember she once supported but now says has done more obstructing than supporting solutions to the city’s problems. The 35-year-old Ballard resident is running for City Council Position 6 against incumbent Nick Licata and candidate Martin Kaplan.
Election 2009 closeup coverage: Council candidate Jordan Royer
Jordan Royer says he wants to give families and small-business owners a voice on the Seattle City Council. Royer said his main emphasis will be on bringing common sense to government.
Councilman Dave Somers leads Snohomish County Council race
Snohomish County Councilman Dave Somers appeared poised to defend his position during the Nov. 3 general election, though early returns in the primary election left his likely challenger in doubt.
Valenzuela, Beehler will face off
Democratic incumbent Karen Valenzuela and Republican challenger Patrick Beehler are headed to the November general election in the Thurston County Commissioner District No. 3
Constantine runs as 'most progressive' of county-exec hopefuls
County Councilmember Dow Constantine is promoting himself as "the most progressive" candidate for King County executive and a bridge to the next generation. Appealing for support from Democrats on such issues as labor, the environment and gay rights, he's enjoying financial support from friends in the rock-music scene.
New housing project in Southeast Seattle goes green
Dow Constantine is a supporter of the new affordable-housing project in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. This housing project was built specifically for large families and the disabled, celebrated its grand opening on July 30. Samaki Commons will erve a dual purpose. In addition to providing much needed low-income housing, they also stand as an example of “green” construction. It minimizes harm to both its residents and the environment, and is designed for sustainability.
Maury Island dock fight: Federal ruling stops the project
King County Council Chair Dow Constantine welcomed today’s decision by U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez to halt planned construction of a dock on Maury Island intended to facilitate a long-controversial mining operation.
Tim Eyman trying to sell I-1033 by purposely misleading the public and the press on taxes
I-1033 will lead to the gutting of public services and destroying any chance of economic recovery in Washington, I-1033 will make our tax system more regressive. Working families will be punished. It's a lose-lose-lose.
Revenue forecast appears bleak for Snoqualmie
Finance officer for Snoqualmie discusses how Initiative 1033 will yield negative effects on the city and make it hard for Snoqualmie to recover from floods or other natural disasters.
Wash. gov opposing revenue-cap I-1033
Gov. Chris Gregoire is opposing an initiative that would cap government revenue growth.
Washington state must lead on solutions to climate change
Quite literally, greenhouse-gas emissions threaten to render our planet unlivable. Climate change deniers prefer to ignore or minimize the role humans play, or suggest that we cannot afford to alter our condition, or that someone else, somewhere else in the world, should deal with the issue.
Military leaders sound climate alarm
A more potent symbol for climate change would be an American soldier dodging bullets in a drought-smashed failed state. Military experts are concerned that climate change could result in more American troops being sent into harm’s way. Drought, rising sea levels, and more frequent episodes of extreme weather could tip fragile countries over the edge, breeding extremism and conflicts requiring U.S. military intervention. Climate change “acts as a threat multiplier for instability in some of the most volatile regions of the world,” says a 2007 report published by an advisory panel of retired general and flag officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
Senate climate bill tougher than House version
Senate Democrats are pushing for a 20 percent cut in greenhouse gases by 2020 - deeper than what the House has passed and what President Barack Obama wants - according to a long-awaited bill that will test how serious the U.S. is about slowing global warming.
Gregoire: I-1033 will devastate state
Joel Connelly, columnist for the Seattle Post Intelligencer, blogs about our Annual Breakfast: In a brief, fiery Thursday speech to a crowd of 800 conservationists, Gov. Chris Gregoire declared that the state "won't come out of this recession" if voters pass Initiative 1033 in November.
“Initiated to Death”
Josh Feit blogs at Publicola about the 17th Annual Breakfast. Gov. Chris Gregoire spoke at this morning’s Washington Conservation Voters packed annual fundraiser breakfast at the Westin in downtown Seattle (also on the bill, NBC’s Chuck Todd, who said 2010 will not be 1994). Gregoire stole the show with an unprecdented (for her), heartfelt attack on I-1033 and Tim Eyman (”the sponsor” she called him). Eyman’s 1033 would freeze state spending at current levels, tacked to inflation.
Constantine, Hutchison on environmental issues
On environmental issues, voters face a clear choice in this race between Dow Constantine and Susan Hutchison for King County executive. She supports the expansion of a gravel mine on Maury Island; he opposes it. He says climate change is a top priority for the executive, connected to local policies from land use to transportation. She says global warming takes a back seat to public safety and budget issues.
Real-world problems turn climate-change debate pragmatic
Insurance Commisioner Mike Kreidler and Treasurer James McIntire are worried about the business and financial consequences of global warming. McIntire states that "the financial risks of climate change are huge."
