This year is closing with a flurry of activity throughout the Northwest and 2014 is shaping up to be a critical year on the path to make the clean energy future a present reality in our region.
This year is closing with a flurry of activity throughout the Northwest and 2014 is shaping up to be a critical year on the path to make the clean energy future a present reality in our region.
I am more excited than ever about Climate Solutions' team, valued partnerships, and critical role catalyzing policy, building networks, and driving thought leadership. I wanted to let you know about some of the biggest developments and events that you might want to add to your calendar. Also, it’s true, I’m headed out next week on a four month sabbatical – more details below!
In Washington, the Governor’s Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup held their final public hearing last Friday in Olympia. The powerful testimony at the prior hearings conveyed a clear message that Washington businesses, community leaders, and voters are eager for climate and energy solutions that will grow our economy.
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber used our annual dinner on November 20 in Portland to reiterate his commitment to bold action on climate and clean energy. Executive and legislative leadership in Oregon provides us with a tremendous opportunity for action on clean fuels and other clean energy policies. We will also be working hard with business and non-profit partners to defend the state’s renewable portfolio standard and other critical policies.
Speaking of Oregon, we’re excited to announce that Carrie Hearne has joined Climate Solutions as our Oregon Business Partnerships Manager. Carrie has been active in the Portland business sustainability scene for years and brings a wealth of experience to our Oregon office. Carrie was most recently at The Standard, a financial services company in Portland, where she successfully created and ran the company’s first sustainability program. She’s been active with the Oregon Business Association and the Portland Business Alliance and is a current member of the Climate Action Plan Steering Committee for the City of Portland and Multnomah County.
About that sabbatical: I’ll be off the grid and offline for about four months, recharging my batteries for the big push for regional climate and energy policy that we will be making over the next couple of years. I am very grateful for this chance, and am comfortable leaving because of the strength of the Climate Solutions team. Please contact the following staff with any matters related to my Climate Solutions portfolio:
Chris Bast, Business Partnerships Manager - in addition to business partnerships work, Chris can handle any general questions or items that may come up.
- Carrie Hearne, Oregon Business Partnerships Manager
- Clark Gilman, Sustainable Advanced Fuels Program Manager
- Beth Doglio, Campaign Director. Beth is the best contact for any work related to coal export.
- Gregg Small, Executive Director. Gregg is always a good place to start with questions about Climate Solutions.
Best wishes for a fabulous holiday season and a great start to 2014. See you in April!
- Ross Macfarlane
