Seattle Mayor Nickels Releases 2004 Environmental Action Agenda
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels today released his 2004 Environmental Action Agenda with a focus on restoring the city's forests, environmentally-friendly development and growing "green" jobs and businesses.
"We're lucky to live in such a beautiful place, and we have a responsibility to protect this legacy for future generations," said Nickels. "We're making sure the City does its part."
Highlights of the Mayor's 2004 Environmental Action Agenda include:
- Increasing restoration of forests in the city and stepping up removal of ivy and other invasive plants;
- Creating neighborhoods close to downtown that are well served by transit to reduce regional dependence on cars;
- Improving urban creeks for fish and other wildlife;
- Improving Seattle's recycling program; and
- Promoting smarter transportation choices through light rail, the monorail, and the proposed South Lake Union streetcar.
The new agenda also calls for the city to develop incentives for companies that produce clean energy, develop green building products, or create other new environmental technologies.
"We have companies in Seattle that produce products and services that are good for the environment," said Nickels. "Their success helps build a healthy community and creates jobs."
The mayor's agenda was developed in consultation with his Urban Sustainability Advisory Panel made up of representatives from city government, local businesses and environmental organizations.
"Seattle recognizes that healthy environmental practices are good for the environment, the community, and the economy, opening up new possibilities for growing jobs and profitable businesses," added Ben Packard, environmental affairs director of the Starbucks Coffee Company and a member of the advisory panel.
The mayor's agenda maintains a strong focus on providing efficient, environmentally responsible City services. Specific 2004 actions include:
- Purchasing more than 30 new gas-electric hybrid vehicles for the City fleet;
- Completing five more "green buildings," including the new downtown library;
- Increasing the number of pesticide-free parks in Seattle; and
- Promoting the use of biodiesel as part of Seattle City Light's commitment to no net emissions of climate-warming greenhouse gases by the end of 2005.
"The City of Seattle recognizes that 'sustainability' starts at home," said K.C. Golden, policy director for the nonprofit Climate Solutions, and a member of the advisory panel. "In everything from electricity production to fleet management, the City is leading the way toward a healthier and more environmentally friendly way of doing business."
For more details about the Mayor's 2004 Environmental Action Agenda, please visit www.cityofseattle.net/mayor.