‘The clearest call ever for immediate climate action’: Executive Constantine announces new actions
Executive Constantine’s proposed budget includes actions to decrease countywide greenhouse gas emissions at a faster pace as an analysis of the Puget Sound region shows an urgent need for collective action to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
A first-of-its-kind analysis led by King County found that greenhouse gas emissions per person have decreased as the result of more energy efficient vehicles and buildings, but total emissions have increased as the population has grown. The study provides comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions data and innovative tools to advance local climate action for Puget Sound cities and counties.
The study determined that implementing new local, state, and federal energy policies will significantly reduce emissions over the next few years and that King County is well positioned for unprecedented investments from the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act. However, the analysis shows an urgent need for collective action by local governments, industries, businesses, and residents to cut emissions faster to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and transition to an equitable, sustainable economy.
King County Executive Dow Constantine included several new actions in the budget he presented to the County Council to decrease countywide greenhouse gas emissions at a faster pace.
“The latest study of countywide greenhouse gas emissions is the clearest call ever for immediate climate action,” said Executive Constantine. “Thanks to the solid foundation that we have built in our region and state, we are in a strong position to leverage unprecedented federal investments in solutions to the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. It is our responsibility to the communities we serve, and particularly to the generations who will follow, to do everything we can as soon as we can.”
In the 2023-2024 budget he presented to the King County Council, Executive Constantine proposed:
Creating a new program that will make it possible for more homeowners to get the low-interest loans they need to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy for heating, cooling, and cooking
Investing $180 million to purchase battery-electric buses and $43 million in zero-emissions infrastructure to ensure that Metro’s 1,400-coach bus fleet is zero emissions by 2035
Supporting community-led responses to climate change with $460,000 for the Climate Equity Task Force
Establishing a new Climate Office to elevate the county’s commitment, coordination, and ability to deliver on climate actions internally and in partnership with cities and regional partners
Infographic: greenhouse gas trends in King County between 2007 and 2019 (click or tap to view high-resolution version)The new study – called the Puget Sound Regional Emissions Analysis – found that greenhouse gas emissions per person decreased by 7% between 2007 and 2019 while total emissions increased by 11% over the same period. Total emissions significantly dropped in 2020, primarily as the result of the pandemic. While there are lessons to be learned from 2020, the project focused on comparisons between 2007 to 2019 before the pandemic started.
Several factors contributed to observed trends:
King County’s population increased by 20%
In 2019, 70% of the electricity generated by Puget Sound Energy – one of two utilities serving King County – came from fossil fuels, a higher percentage than recent years. Puget Sound Energy is committed to more clean energy sources and to be coal free by 2025 and, like all utilities in the state, must be 100% greenhouse gas neutral by 2030.
Emissions from air travel increased by more than a third from 2008 to 2019, accounting for about 15% of total countywide emissions before the pandemic.
Analysts say the data does not reflect major climate actions that have occurred since 2019, noting that recent advancements – such as new state requirements for clean fuels and clean buildings along with upcoming federal investments in renewable energy and innovative technology – will produce historic dividends. The data indicates that these policy achievements, once fully implemented and supported by residents and businesses, will cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by the end of the decade.
In 2021, King County and all 39 cities in the county established shared emission reduction targets of 50% by 2030 and 95% by 2050. The study shows how those targets will be achieved through federal, state, and local policies and investments, in combination with business and individual actions.
The most impactful local solutions for the region, analysts found, are:
More transit, walkable communities, fewer car trips, and greener vehicles
More energy-efficient homes, workplaces, and other buildings free of fossil fuels
Less waste generated by household consumption
One of the biggest keys to reducing the number of car trips is effective growth management by the county and cities, promoting walkable communities that offer convenient access to transit and trails. The project was led by King County in partnership with the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C), Kitsap County, Pierce County, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Puget Sound Regional Council, City of Seattle, and Snohomish County. For the first time, the project provides each of the 39 cities in King County comprehensive, city-specific greenhouse gas emissions data and new planning tools to accelerate and prioritize local climate action strategies.
