“Strike deal for infrastructure, environment and jobs”

The Seattle Times editorial board urges state lawmakers to “strike deal for infrastructure, environment and jobs”, saying:

“Difficult times such as these can present extraordinary opportunities. With vision and creativity, Washington lawmakers can tackle the state’s daunting transportation infrastructure and make headway on reducing carbon emissions. And they could help drive the state’s economic recovery.”

Read the full editorial HERE.

Highlights that caught our attention include: 

“The transportation sector is responsible for 44% of Washington’s carbon footprint. Worth consideration, Sen. Reuven Carlyle’s Senate Bill 5126 would establish cap-and-trade carbon limits and allotments for companies to purchase. While reducing the state’s carbon emissions, its potential revenues could generate billions of dollars to repair and improve infrastructure.

Senate transportation Chair Steve Hobbs’ preliminary $18 billion, 16-year “Forward Washington” proposal sensibly aims for bipartisan backing. It includes a broad geographic distribution of road and transportation improvements for a package voters statewide can benefit from and stand with.

This approach deserves strong support from lawmakers of both parties in crafting a plan that can generate improvements for years to come.”

Join the Seattle Times editorial board in urging urgent action. The Senate Ways & Means Committee meets today to consider Senator Carlyle’s SB 5126, the Climate Commitment Act. Click HERE before 3:00pm to register your position as “Pro”, in support of a clean and prosperous future for all Washingtonians.