Latest from Lekanoff | Update on environmental work taking place

||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF |||

I hope this message finds you well.  I want to provide you with a comprehensive update on the environmental work taking place in the 40th District. During this legislative interim, I’ve been actively engaged in initiatives related to the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), renewable energy, and collaborative efforts to combat climate change. Here’s a breakdown of what’s been happening in our district: 

Climate Commitment Act (CCA) Impact on Our Community

I’d like to emphasize the significance of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and how it directly affects our community. The CCA is a pivotal initiative that aims to cap and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from major sources in Washington. It’s a critical component of our state’s commitment to reducing emissions by 95% by 2050. This legislation places a strong focus on equity and environmental justice, ensuring that communities burdened by air pollution experience cleaner air as we make progress in reducing greenhouse gases. To learn more about the CCA and its implications for our district, you can visit the link here. 

Legislative Cap and Invest Working Group Update

The 2023 Legislative Interim has given us valuable time to collaborate and learn from the Executive Branch’s oversight of the CCA Cap and Invest Working Group Program. We’ve encountered opportunities and challenges during this process and worked closely with the Department of Ecology and sister agencies to address them. We continue to approach this endeavor with a focus on creating effective environmental policies and solutions. 

Residential Heating Assistance Program

For those in our community who may need assistance with residential heating, there’s a helpful program available. You can find more information about the Residential Heating Assistance Program here. 

Renewable Energy in Whatcom County PUD

Whatcom County Public Utility District No. 1 (PUD) is actively exploring new energy sources and infrastructure to address local responses to climate change and future energy costs. You can read more about their initiatives and the future of renewable energy in their March 2023 report. 

Department of Commerce Renewable Energy Grants

I’m reviewing rural grant funding to support small counties, cities, and tribes in providing clean and affordable energy to their customers. The Department of Commerce offers Renewable Energy Grants, and you can find more details here. 

Collaborative Climate Change Planning

We are working on a comprehensive climate change plan for the 40th District, involving agencies like DOE, DNR, and WDFW. Our goal is to bring together various climate change plans from city, county, tribal, state agencies, PUDs, and non-profit organizations, creating a centralized hub for effective coordination and accountability. This initiative aims to streamline policies and regulations, providing clarity to the citizens who contribute to these programs through taxes, contributions, or grants. 

Now for us to understand how we are going to plan for Climate Change in the 40th, below are just a few of the Climate Change Action Plans in the district;  San Juan County, Whatcom County, Skagit County,  Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Samish Indian Tribe, Skagit River Climate Change Cooperative, Seattle City Light, , NOAA Climate Change in Salish Sea, WDFW Climate Change Plan, Department of Ecology  Department of Natural Resources, Army Corps of Engineers Climate Change Plan, and other relevant entities. This exploration will help us assess their strategies for addressing water needs for population growth, infrastructure, salmon and resource protection, and drinking water. 

The Impact of Carbon on Our Forests

Lastly, I recently attended an informative presentation on the impact of carbon on our forests. Dr. Elaine Oneil, an expert in climate change, carbon accounting, and forest health, discussed the role of Washington’s forests in carbon cycling. This event provided insights into the history and future of our state’s forests.

Your engagement is essential in advancing environmental initiatives, and I’m grateful for your commitment to our community and the environment. 

If you have any questions or would like further information on any of these topics, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue to make meaningful progress in addressing environmental challenges in the 40th District. 

I am here for you!