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  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire celebrates Earth Day

For Immediate Release: April 22, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement in celebration of Earth Day and to highlight the successful transition to green jobs in Washington state:

�While Washingtonians celebrate Earth Day and the natural beauty that distinguishes our great state, I pause to reflect on the tremendous progress we�ve made to protect one of the most majestic states in the nation while we boost our economy.

�For example, economists for our Department of Ecology estimate that 165,000 jobs in our state could be affected by a major oil spill here. That�s one reason that earlier this week, I signed legislation that ensures Washington has the best equipment to mount an aggressive response in the event of a major spill in Puget Sound and other waters of our state. We are the first state in the nation to pass significant new legislation on this issue.

�Just yesterday, the Legislature sent me a bill that culminates years of hard work and partnership to transition the state�s only coal-fired power plant to a cleaner, renewable source of energy. I am appreciative of the work of our lawmakers, TransAlta, and the environmental and business communities who worked tirelessly to reach this agreement. The legislation will ensure a healthier environment while protecting hundreds of jobs.

�Those jobs will soon join the thousands of other green jobs in our state. Since I took office, I�ve made it a priority to create a green economy � one that protects our environment while building our global competitiveness. I set a goal of creating 25,000 green jobs in our state by 2020. The most recent report by the state Employment Security Department shows we have shattered that goal, with nearly 100,000 jobs now dedicated to increasing energy efficiency, producing renewable energy, or preventing or reducing pollution.

�Especially on this Earth Day, I�m proud to live in Washington. I�m proud of our work to ensure a beautiful state for generations to come �one that recognizes a strong economy relies on a clean, safe environment. Together we must continue our efforts to create a sustainable culture, where economic success and vigorous, healthy ecosystems don�t just coexist, but are mutually dependant. We are making progress, but we have more to achieve. By working together � and only by working together � we can reach this objective for ourselves and our families.�