Contact:
Lisa Dulude
Energy and Environmental Sustainability Manager
Lisa.Dulude@snoco.org
425-388-3965
Snohomish County’s Climate Action Advisory Committee Launches Change
EVERETT, Wash., February 20, 2020 – Yesterday, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers launched the new 13-member Ad Hoc Climate Action Advisory Committee. The Committee is charged with providing recommendations to the County Executive and Council as the county updates its Sustainable Operations Action Plan and subsequently develops a new countywide Climate Action Plan.
“Climate change is here. As a fisheries biologist, I understand the science and the effects of climate change. If we do not take action and continue to prepare, our economy and quality of life will suffer,” said Executive Somers. “We have all seen firsthand the impacts of climate change with recent years’ storms, fires, and slides. This new committee will help us develop effective plans to address climate change for county government operations, as well as countywide. We are fortunate to have a committee of multiple perspectives to provide input and ensure we are hearing from across our community.”
Committee members bring unique expertise and perspectives to the planning process and serve as a link to the community to help increase engagement on climate change. Once adopted, these plans will institute new policies, programs, and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), address climate change, protect public health, build more resilient communities, and preserve the natural environment in Snohomish County.
Committee members were selected through an application and interview process, and the county received more than 35 applications. New members are:
- Tom Campbell, Green builder/developer
- Stan Gent, Mechanical engineer and former CEO of Enwave (retired)
- Anthony Gromko, Director, Washington State University Extension Everett
- Ian McClusky, Product Manager, Outback Power
- Ryan Miller, Environmental Liaison, Tulalip Tribes
- Suzy Oversvee, Senior Program Manager, Snohomish County PUD
- Yolimar Rivera Vazquez, Food and Farms Coordinator, EcoTrust
- Jake Salvador, Student, University of Washington Bothell
- Jeanine SanClemente, Snohomish County Climate Alliance
- Margaret Seaney, Student
- Patrick Sisneros, Vice President for College Services, Everett Community College
- Jon Witte, Physician, Everett Clinic (retired)
“We know that one of the many threats of climate change is the disproportionate impact it will have on our low income and underrepresented communities,” said Snohomish County Council Vice Chair Stephanie Wright. “The diverse experience and knowledge of our committee members will help us develop meaningful solutions to address climate justice, along with plans for addressing the wide range of expected impacts.”
Please visit the County’s Climate Action Advisory Committee website for more information and to access meeting notes. https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/5489/Climate-Action-Advisory-Committee