Phillips highlights his “Greenprint” for environmental action

April 21, 2010

Summary

Earth Day serves as reminder of work needed to protect King County’s natural environment

Story

Preserving and restoring King County’s natural environment are top priorities for Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Council’s Environment and Transportation Committee. Phillips today highlighted the implementation of his 2010 “Greenprint,” a detailed environmental action agenda.

“Earth Day is a celebration of the beautiful abundance of natural resources we have in this region, but it’s also a reminder of the work we must do to protect our environment and ensure our ecosystem is healthy and intact for future generations,” said Phillips, who represents environmentally friendly neighborhoods like Ballard, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Greenwood. “That’s what Greenprint is—a plan of practical actions we can take in King County to create a healthier, more sustainable future and make King County the environmental model for the entire nation.”

Greenprint includes actions for:

• Preserving open space and rural lands;
• Improving air quality;
• Restoring Puget Sound and improving water quality;
• Expanding transit;
• Leveraging green jobs;
• Promoting green, energy efficient buildings, and homes;
• Advancing a market for electric cars;
• Supporting alternative energy sources;
• Supporting transit oriented communities, and
• Maintaining and expanding parks and recreation.

Greenprint accomplishments so far in 2010 have included:

• Working with Cascade Land Conservancy to promote new ways to expand our open space toolbox.
• Passing legislation urging the State Legislature to approve the Clean Water Act of 2010, which would have provided additional funding for stormwater pollution cleanup projects.
• Forming a Regional Transit Task Force to make recommendations for preserving the Metro bus system during the economic downturn.
• Successfully advocating that the King County Housing Authority hire weatherization contractors from green training programs, such as South Seattle Community College, that meet high technical standards and provide job training to predominantly low-income and disadvantaged populations.
• Passing legislation requiring energy efficient lighting and reduction of light pollution at King County facilities.
• Passing legislation to install up to 200 public-use charging stations at Park & Ride lots and other county-owned or leased sites.

“The beauty of King County and our great natural resources are only surpassed by the energy and creativity of the people who live here,” said Phillips. “That gives us hope that we can protect our environment and grow with grace.”


Read the Greenprint