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Department of Ecology News Release - January 4, 2008
08-004
OLYMPIA – In response to requests from Washington residents, a comment period on draft climate change documents is being extended.
The comment period now will end on Tuesday, Jan. 22, instead of Jan. 10. That gives the public more time to review three draft documents: a “Comprehensive Climate Approach for Washington” offered by the state’s Climate Advisory Team; “Preparing for the Impacts of Climate Change” from the state’s Preparation/Adaptation Working Groups; and a citizen engagement framework created with help from stakeholders throughout Washington. The documents are posted at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/index.htm.
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. Gov. Gregoire directed the departments of Ecology and Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) 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.
The draft documents are interim reports to the directors of Ecology and CTED. They are important first steps in the state’s on-going efforts to address climate change. They will be the basis of the final, interim report to the Governor, which is due by Feb. 7, 2008. More specific recommendations and actions will be developed in 2008 and beyond, and Washington residents can play an active role in that work.
Ecology and CTED welcome the public’s comments on the themes and directions offered in the draft documents and on climate change in general. Comments on the draft documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. Jan. 22. 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.
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Contact: Seth Preston, Ecology communications manager, 360-407-6848; spre461@ecy.wa.gov
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
