Gov. Inslee rolls out 2022 climate proposals with focus on clean energy
Dec 14, 2021, 12:21 PM
Governor Jay Inslee rolled out his latest climate policy wish list Monday for the 2022 legislative session.
The proposed climate plan, announced by the governor on Dec. 13, totals more than $625 million, with a goal of cutting carbon emissions from buildings, cars, and energy production.
Washington needs to ‘defeat climate change at its source,’ says Gov. Inslee
“We’re here today in part because of the danger I’ve seen across the state of Washington in the last 12 months,” Gov. Inslee said, which includes flooding, forest fires, and unsafe air quality.
“Climate change is moving faster, and therefore we must move faster,” he added.
Today, I rolled out my 2022 climate proposals, which will bolster Washington’s leadership in clean energy and economic growth.
The complete proposal can be found at https://t.co/SlhK4hERJU pic.twitter.com/Z3gJgDyOzb
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) December 13, 2021
One of the proposals requires all new construction projects to be net-zero ready by 2034.
“This will maximize energy efficiency, reduce wastage of energy bills, and discontinue the use of fossil fuels in our new homes and buildings,” Gov. Inslee said.
For older buildings, the governor proposed “expanding the state’s existing performance standards to apply to buildings over 20,000 square feet.”
Gov. Inslee seeks to move state government to all-electric fleet of vehicles
Another proposal would offer consumer rebates for those who buy a new or used electric vehicle.
“In addition to rebates for EVs, electric motorcycles, and e-bikes, I’m also proposing an increased rebate for low-income Washingtonians so that people can get access to these vehicles,” Inslee said.
Inslee’s plan also includes millions in grant dollars to help with some of the requirements, as well as new investments in clean transportation, and more. Find the full proposal online here.
KIRO Radio’s Hanna Scott contributed to this report.
