Every day I'm grateful to be able to do the work I'm passionate about in a city that I love. Like any major city, Seattle has real challenges, but there are so many things we are doing here that I'm proud of. Passing a soda tax that raises money for food access programs and education for our residents with low-incomes is one example. Resisting the most damaging policies of the Trump administration and reaffirming our commitments to both the Paris Climate Accord and our status as a "welcoming city" are others. It's important to celebrate our successes while remaining unrelenting in our efforts to tackle our biggest challenges. Thank you for everything you do to make Seattle a great city.
Jessica Finn Coven, Director
Office of Sustainability & Environment
KEY SUSTAINBILITY UPDATES
Seattle Launches Fresh Bucks Retail Program with Ethnic Grocers
Seattle recently launched the Fresh Bucks Retail program, continuing our work of making healthy produce more accessible to people with low incomes. Participants now have the option to redeem their Fresh Bucks vouchers at six local, ethnic grocery stores--locations where communities regularly gather and shop, and offer foods that are culturally appropriate.More info here.
Seattle Continues to Resist, Commits to Paris Climate Accord
Last week, Mayor Murray
signed a resolution committing the City to meeting the Paris Climate Accord and reaffirmed our goal of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2050.
The legislation was developed collaboratively with Councilmember Mike O'Brien, Mayor Ed Murray, the Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE), the Sierra Club, and 350 Seattle. OSE will now begin identifying the key climate actions necessary to meet or exceed the goals ratified by the Paris Agreement and will report back to Council with recommendations in December.
Deleted EPA Climate Pages Now Available On Seattle Website
Earlier this month, Seattle
published information on climate change that was previously on the EPA's website until the Trump administration removed it on April 29.
Seattle has joined Chicago and 11 other cities in posting the EPA climate pages and ensuring that the public has access to the information EPA has developed over decades of research.
Up to $2000 Rebate for Oil Heated Homes!
Seattle recently launched an Oil Furnace Replacement Program to encourage homeowners to replace their oil furnace with an energy-efficient heat pump. Heat pumps provide consistent and efficient heating and cooling for year-round comfort. Incentives in the range of $500 to $2000 are available to homeowners for ditching dirty oil. Learn more here.
The Office of Sustainability & Environment collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders to develop innovative environmental solutions that foster equitable, vibrant communities and shared prosperity.
