BELLINGHAM — Last week, Forbes published its first-ever list of the 50 preeminent leaders across the globe in environmental sustainability, in an effort to highlight some of the latest and most important work done in the fight against climate change. The list included government officials, CEOs and nonprofit directors, and for Washingtonians, a familiar face: Governor Jay Inslee.
- Forbes highlights Inslee’s climate policy
Forbes touted Inslee, who has served as Washington’s governor since 2013, for his efforts to reduce emissions in the state, while providing access to renewable energy in underprivileged communities.
In 2021, he signed the HEAL Act, establishing a statewide effort to address environmental disparities. Inslee has helped implement policies to cut down emissions on new buildings in the state, and to spur the state’s transition towards clean energy.
- WA ‘cap-and-invest’ program
Forbes also made note of the state’s “cap-and-invest” program, established by 2021’s Climate Commitment Act. The program creates a statewide cap for carbon emissions and a set number of permits, which are sold by the state and used to fund climate infrastructure, that allow a company to produce a certain amount of carbon emissions.
