Kira Erickson reports from the Island County Commissioners work session on May 4, 2022.
Island County commissioners took a first step earlier this month in deciding to direct department heads to prepare proposals for a climate emergency declaration and a climate action plan.
They Said It
Commissioner Jill Johnson was critical of the study, pointing to its support of one power company for the way it generates energy but its failure to acknowledge that the same power company has created dams that negatively impact the salmon population.
She also raised concerns about the recommendations concerning electric vehicles and their infrastructure.
“I don’t understand enough about the consequences of what these conversations are, pro and con,” she said. “I only hear the pro.
”Commissioner Melanie Bacon disagreed.
“I don’t think we need to hear both sides when it’s an issue of science,” she said.
Commissioner Janet St. Clair said she was not supportive of 100% vehicle electrification, citing a need for backup gas-fueled vehicles. She did support installing charging stations and hiring a sustainability manager.
She and Bacon both agreed they were more than ready to begin a conversation.
Johnson questioned why these topics did not get included in an earlier work plan if they were considered a priority by the other two commissioners. Bacon, who was elected in 2020, cited climate change as a primary issue in her campaign.
“If the two members of a board want something, then you say it with clarity and you get it,” Johnson said. “But if you say it wishy-washy, and you change your mind behind the scenes, that’s why conversations don’t come forward.
”Bacon suggested using the greenhouse gas emissions study and the emergency climate declaration from the students as guidance in moving the conversation forward at the county level.
“It really is an indication of how citizens, at least in my district, feel very, very strongly,” she said of the United Student Leaders declaration.
