WASHINGTON

Washington is facing an economic downturn, due partially to rising oil and gas prices. Our unhealthy reliance on fossil fuels is also contributing to climate change. We cannot afford to bear the costs of allowing global warming to continue. Unless we take aggressive action to reverse climate change, Washington will lose more than 8,600 jobs. (i)

Global warming will also take a toll on our natural world. Based on current projections of temperature rise, scientists have predicted hotter, drier conditions that are likely to bring more frequent and more intense wildfires to Washington’s forests. (ii)

At the heart of both of these problems—a slowing economy and a warming planet—is our dependence on fossil fuels. Today, Washington relies on oil, natural gas, and coal-all of which produce greenhouse gases that contribute global warming-to generate over 21% of its energy. (iii)

By investing in cutting edge renewable energy technology, we can create jobs right here in Washington while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Currently, Washington has the potential to generate more than one and a half times the energy it needs from clean, renewable sources. (iv)

In recent years, Washington has taken steps to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and encourage energy efficiency. In 2007, the state mandated that it reduce its emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and to 50% below 1990 levels by 2050.  Additionally, in 2006 Washington set a goal to produce 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. (v)

SOURCES:

i. http://www.bluegreenalliance.org/site/c.enKIITNpEiG/b.3417259/

ii. http://www.nextgenerationearth.org/usstates/statelist/

iii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

iv. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf

v. http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/rps.cfm