In 2014, hundreds of businesses signed the Washington Climate Declaration, calling for action on climate change to protect our region’s assets, its vibrant communities, and its growing economy.   Three years later, we business leaders of the Pacific Northwest endorse an expanded Climate Declaration because responding to climate change poses one of the greatest risks to our economy, but more importantly, represents one of the greatest economic opportunities for our State and region that will benefit business, our communities and the environment.
 
America is great because we tackle tough problems. We can start to win the battle against climate change right here in the PNW by building on our history of innovation and supporting  the transition to a low carbon economy.
through effective policies that advance low-carbon R&D, and deploys cleaner fuels and transportation options., and
To this end:

• We call for creation of a market-based carbon reduction fund that spurs economic growth while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
• We call for the establishment of a fee on the emissions of greenhouse gases in Washington State at the lowest level required to meet the State’s carbon reduction targets, as well as the environmental and economic security goals of this declaration.
• We call for policies to support the manufacturing and trade exposed businesses as they transition to operating in a lower carbon economy.
• We call for an Environmental Security Fund to protect the health and productivity of our forests and oceans, to protect fresh water resources, and to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.
• We call for the implementation of programs to offset the cost of carbon fees to our region’s low-income residents.