A regional planning council chaired by King County Executive Dow Constantine today unanimously adopted targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in King County, an important step in the effort to confront climate change.

The Growth Management Planning Council, which includes elected leaders from cities and the Metropolitan King County Council, also created measurements and reporting commitments.

“To move the needle on climate change, we must have a coordinated approach that includes all levels of government working with businesses, nonprofits, and community partners,” said Executive Constantine. “Climate pollution transcends political boundaries and so must our solutions. Today’s action demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting our environment from the devastating impacts of greenhouse gases.”

Against a baseline set in 2007, the Countywide Planning Policy adopted today targets a reduction of countywide sources of greenhouse gas emissions of 25 percent by 2020, 50 percent by 2030, and 80 percent by 2050. King County will be responsible for assessment and reporting.

The King County-Cities Climate Collaboration, a partnership between the County and King County cities,  is developing a set of actions -- including building standards, transit-oriented development, and clean fuels -- that cities can take to achieve these ambitious targets. The actions can be tailored to each city's specific needs and interests.

“With a shared goal and framework for measuring progress, we can focus our efforts on actions that will keep our environment, economy, and people healthy,” said Executive Constantine.