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Washington State Releases Draft Climate Change Documents

December 27, 2007

Washington residents can review and comment on draft documents that detail proposed actions for limiting and preparing for the impacts of climate change in the state.

The three draft documents are posted at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange. The documents are a "Comprehensive Climate Approach for Washington" offered by the state's Climate Advisory Team; "Preparing for the Impacts of Climate Change in Washington" from the state's Preparation/Adaptation Working Groups; and a citizen engagement plan created with help from stakeholders throughout Washington.

These draft documents represent work done by the state's Climate Advisory Team, stakeholders and state agencies in response to Gov. Chris Gregoire's Feb. 7, 2007, Executive Order. Gregoire directed the departments of Ecology and Community, Trade and Economic Development to create the Climate Advisory Team to explore and recommend how the state can reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions. She also directed work to focus on preparing for climate change impacts, and on growing a "clean economy" that increases clean energy jobs and reduces Washington's dependence on foreign oil.

"Well over 300 people from around the state have been working for the past 10 months on this effort," said Janice Adair, special assistant to Ecology Director Jay Manning. Adair heads Ecology's climate change work.

Comments on the draft documents will be accepted until Jan. 10. The public is encouraged to submit comments online. Comments also may be mailed to Department of Ecology, Attn: Climate Comments, PO Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600. Comments will be summarized and posted online.