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King County
Executive Office
Ron Sims,
King County Executive
401 Fifth Ave.
Suite 800
Seattle, WA 98104
P: 206-296-4040
F: 206-296-0194
TTY Relay: 711

King County Executive Ron Sims

Declaration of Intent

WHEREAS, the threat of global climate change is now universally recognized as one of the most pressing issues facing local and regional governments today;

WHEREAS, Washington State and the Puget Sound region stands to lose over $200 million dollars per year by 2020 from climate impacts such severe droughts and floods, sea level rise, pest infestations, increased forest fires and a permanent loss of half our snowpack in the Olympic and Cascade Mountains;

WHEREAS, local, regional, and state government elected officials throughout the United States are adopting emissions reduction targets and programs as a response to these potential impacts;

WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has endorsed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement with over 600 mayors signing this agreement which commits cities to reduction of global warming emissions to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, and calls for a federal limit on emissions;

WHEREAS, many King County cities have endorsed the U.S. Conference of Mayors Protection Agreement or have adopted similar resolutions seeking significant greenhouse gas emission reductions;

WHEREAS, King County launched a Cool Counties program in 2007, which includes a pledge to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below current levels by 2050;

WHEREAS, Washington State has committed to long range climate stabilization goals of 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050;

WHEREAS, Washington State has adopted clean vehicle technology requirements by adopting the California tailpipe standards and requiring minimum use of biofuels;

WHEREAS, the chief executive officers and administrators of King County's local governments are committed to adopting best business practices in order to meet emissions goals adopted by their elected leaders;

WHEREAS, any serious commitment to address global warming in our region must powerfully address emissions from our transportation sector which comprises approximately 50 percent of all regional greenhouse gas emissions;

WHEREAS, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels through green fleet strategies can increase our energy security, save taxpayer dollars, and promote our regional economy:

WHEREAS, economic benefits for investing in municipal vehicle fleets that have lower greenhouse gas emissions are compelling, from the near-term economic gains of fuel savings to the long-term climate stabilization;

WHEREAS, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency in partnership with the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition are recognized experts in reducing pollution from motor vehicles and are participating in the Initiative by assisting local government fleets with energy saving and emission reduction strategies;

NOW, THEREFORE WE DECLARE, our governments are participating in the Puget Sound Regional Green Fleet Initiative, which will work to develop a uniform green fleet standard by:

  • Establishing specific targets, goals, and strategies regarding the purchase of clean vehicle technologies and the reduction of fossil fuels.
  • Adopting policies that promote best practices in fleet design and operation.
  • Sharing information on the total type and quantity of fuel consumed and vehicle miles traveled on an annual basis.
City of Auburn City of Bellevue
City of Bothell City of Des Moines
City of Federal Way City of Issaquah
City of Kenmore City of Kent
King County City of Kirkland
City of Lake Forest Park City of Mercer Island
City of Newcastle City of Normandy Park

City of Redmond		 City of Renton

City of Seattle		 City of Shoreline
City of Snoqualmie City of Tukwila
City of Woodinville  
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  Updated: Sept. 19, 2007