Motion 2018-13 – Endorsing Washington Initiative 1631 Page 1 of 3

MOTION 2018-13:

A MOTION OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION

endorsing Washington State Initiative 1631, a state-wide

carbon “pollution fee” on sources of greenhouse gas

pollutants that would direct revenue to reducing pollution,

promoting clean energy, and addressing climate impacts.

ADOPTED

OCTOBER 23, 2018

INTRODUCTION

The Port of Seattle Commission, in keeping with its environmental goals and the port’s Century

Agenda, is considering the following motion formally endorsing Washington State Initiative

1631. This action follows a briefing in public session on October 9, conducted in accordance

with recommendations provided to the port by the Washington State Public Disclosure

Commission, and after receiving testimony from members of the public representing both sides

of the issue. Both campaigns were provided equal opportunity to present their positions, and

all speakers were provided equal time to present their views.

TEXT OF THE MOTION

The Port Commission hereby endorses Washington State Initiative 1631, to be considered on

the ballot at the November 6, 2018, general election.

STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION

The Port of Seattle is a public agency that is focused on the triple bottom line. The commission

embraces our responsibility of helping the port be a major job creator for King County and the

state. The strategic management of industrial and public lands enables us to help sustain a

diverse and inclusive economy. The stewardship of the natural and built environment supports

our work as well as that of our tenants and surrounding communities now and into the future.

The port’s Century Agenda guides our actions to: “Be the greenest and most energy efficient

port in North America.” It includes objectives related to reducing air pollutants and carbon

emissions associated with port operations and facilities; calls for meeting increased energy

needs through conservation and renewable sources; and seeks to meet or exceed agency

requirements for stormwater leaving port-owned facilities.

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In December 2017 the port commission revised the Century Agenda objectives to further

strengthen our goals of reducing air pollutants and carbon emissions. The port joined King

County Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) to align our climate goals and to leverage collective

actions throughout the region.

In December 2017, the Port of Seattle Commission adopted a motion that set the most

aggressive goals of any airport operator in the nation for the implementation of sustainable

aviation fuels.

The port’s 2018 state legislative agenda calls for the development and use of clean energy

sources to reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels and seek to eliminate greenhouse gas

emissions while at the same time supporting new economic opportunities.

Our long-term commitments to reduce carbon-intensive energy use have taken on a renewed

sense of urgency as evidenced by increased frequency of forest fires, warming salmon streams,

sea level rise, and increasing ocean acidification. The plight of the endangered population of

resident killer whales has served to galvanize public attention of the fact that there is a pressing

need for bold actions.

The significance of these readily observable changes is underscored by the recently released

report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The report

underscores the significance of the challenges society faces as it seeks to reverse the global

warming trend, and the immediate need for government action.

Further highlighting the need for bold climate action was the decision of the Royal Swedish

Academy of Sciences to award the Nobel Prize for economics to two scientists who have long

argued that economic growth must be environmentally sustainable. They determined that

economic sustainability is best achieved by putting a price on carbon and by estimating the cost

of not taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Putting a price on carbon is the prime focus of Initiative 1631. The funds generated by the fee

will be used to reduce the state’s demand for carbon intensive energy, develop new clean

energy technologies, help to restore marine resources, improve wildfire management, promote

conservation through sustainable agriculture practices, and increase the sustainability of the

water supply.

The initiative also includes provisions to ensure that families with low incomes are not

disproportionately impacted, and to help workers transition to jobs in a new clean-energy

economy and requires close collaboration with tribal governments.

As an economic development agency, the Port of Seattle is keenly interested in investing in jobs

of the future. By investing in the solutions to the the greatest challenge of our time, the state

can lead the nation and the world in developing the next generation of maritime, aviation, and

other technologies from which all can benefit.

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It also means protecting clean air and clean water for our neighbors, our children, and

vulnerable communities living with asthma as well as those whose economic, social, and

cultural well-being are dependent on a healthy environment.

For these reasons, the Port of Seattle welcomes the opportunity to be part of the broad

coalition of supporters who strongly endorse the adoption of Initiative Measure No. 1631. We

look forward to working with the state and legislative leaders who will ultimately decide how

best to fund the reduction of harmful emissions and to help further our state’s leadership in

establishing a path toward a sustainable future.