News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 18, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Michael Marchand, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke Signs Executive Order for Sustainable Environmental Practices by State Agencies

Gov. Gary Locke today signed an executive order calling for sustainable environmental practices for all state agencies. The goal is to use human, environmental and economic resources more wisely, including the use of energy efficient products, recycled materials and conservation programs.

The executive order will guide Washington state government’s long-term sustainability practices and strengthen the state’s economic and environmental vitality. This includes using the state’s $1 billion in purchasing power for environmental products and conservation.

Locke signed the executive order following the first meeting of the Governor’s Sustainable Washington Advisory Panel at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle. The advisory panel consists of representatives from the public and private sector who will focus on developing an action plan for a sustainable Washington.

“We’re committed to strengthening the health of Washington’s economy, environment and communities,” Locke said. “Employing sustainable practices enables us to address our current needs without sacrificing the needs of future generations. We, as a state, should serve as a model and contribute positively to the long-term protection and enhancement of our quality of life.”

This announcement fulfills a promise that Locke made in February upon receiving an award from the Resource Renewal Institute. At the time, Locke pledged to create a working interagency group to pursue sustainable strategies and charged them with developing an executive order.

The executive order directs state agencies to establish sustainability objectives and prepare a biennial sustainability plan to modify their practices. It also calls for the Office of Financial Management to designate a person to assist state agencies in meeting their goals and establishes an advisory council to advise state agencies on how to apply sustainability measures to government operations.

“The state has already made efforts to promote sustainability, including purchasing hybrid gas-electric vehicles for statewide use and setting environmentally progressive provisions for buying carpeting, lamps and office furniture in state buildings,” Locke said. “But there is more that we can do to close the gap between production and consumption.”


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