Resolution on Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standards
February 16, 2023
WHEREAS, Buildings are responsible for more than one-third of Seattle’s carbon emissions and must be part of the solution to climate change- both by reducing carbon emissions, and keeping people comfortable and healthy during heat waves and wildfire smoke,
WHEREAS, Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standards policy is projected to reduce building emissions by 27 percent by 2050, making it the most impactful climate action Seattle can take now.
WHEREAS, The proposed BEPS policy is forecasted to create 150 to 270 new well-paying jobs annually, benefitting Seattle area workers, and our local economy, and expanding career opportunities and pathways for women and people of color.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that MLK Labor support the proposal developed by the Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment under the leadership of Director Jessyn Farrell to enact BEPS and transition Seattle buildings to lower carbon emissions in the next 2-3 decades.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that MLK Labor supports implementing the fastest possible timeline for lowering building emissions within the policy.