Education and Climate Priorities for WA state in 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee outlined his climate policy package for the 2021–2023 biennium.

“Climate change is a health issue, an economic issue and an equity issue. We must address these very real threats to our state, and we cannot wait. The time to act is now. These proposals would reduce nearly 30 million metric tons of emissions by 2030 — a 35% reduction from current projections. And these standards and investments — with justice at their core — will grow clean energy jobs in Washington.” – Gov. Jay Inslee

  • Inslee’s legislative and budget proposals would create a comprehensive climate program to ensure the state meets its climate goals:
  • Cap statewide greenhouse gas emissions and invest in clean energy, transportation and climate resilience programs, and fund part of the Working Families Tax Credit.
  • Establish a clean fuel standard and reduce transportation emissions through electrification.
  • Require new buildings to be carbon free by 2030 and eliminate fossil fuels from existing buildings by 2050.
  • Require an environmental justice assessment for all climate related investments and create an Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Panel to analyze how climate investments impact communities most affected by climate change.
  • Invest $428 million in clean transportation, clean buildings and clean energy projects.

Read more at: https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-announces-bold-climate-package-for-2021-2023-biennium-d7c4460a3d26?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) has selected a new executive director Paul Francis. Paul began his work in October. The State Board Chair Jay Reich described Francis as a passionate leader with a background well-suited to advance the community and technical college system, close racial equity gaps and improve student completion rates. The SBCTC oversees the system, sets policy, allocates state operating and capital funds, strategically plans the two year college mission, and approves education programs.

The Board previewed the college system’s 2023 legislative agenda and priorities for this coming year which will include:
• Fully funded competitive compensation for faculty and staff
• Advance equity, diversity and inclusion efforts already underway

Read the full climate policy brief at: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ClimateBrief-Dec2020.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery