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MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Climate Change

New Interactive Map, Webpage Highlight Local Climate Plans

January 14, 2022 by Lisa Pool
Category: Climate Change , MRSC News and Updates

As part of its Local Climate Response Project, MRSC is pleased to unveil a new webpage featuring an interactive map and detailed information about specialized planning efforts being taken by local governments across Washington State.

Investing in Equity To Prepare for Environmental Challenges

January 6, 2022 by Tracy Burrows , Leah LaCivita
Category: Climate Change , Inclusive Communities

Some Washington local governments have placed equity front and center when preparing for the impacts of climate change. This blog looks at efforts in Lakewood and Shoreline.

Green Building Incentives that Work: Follow the Roadmap

January 4, 2022 by Chris van Daalen
Category: Climate Change , Tools for Planners , Guest Author

This guest blog introduces the Zero Carbon Buildings Policy Toolkit, a free resource available to help cities, towns, and counties understand and apply green building incentives in their communities.

To Reduce Greenhouse Gases, Consider Buildings

December 16, 2021 by Deepa Sivarajan
Category: Climate Change , Guest Author

In this blog, guest author Deepa Sivarajan discusses why local governments should add building electrification to their toolkit when looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their jurisdiction.

New Program Supports Transition To Cleaner Vehicle Fleets

November 15, 2021 by Melinda Spencer
Category: Climate Change , Energy Resources and Conservation , New Legislation and Regulations

Local governments wanting to switch to cleaner, zero-emissions car fleets now have a new resource to consult, the Green Transportation Program.

More Climate-Related Legislation for 2021

October 14, 2021 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Climate Change , New Legislation and Regulations

The 2021 legislative session produced several bills on issues related to the changing climate. This blog discusses a few, including bills that focus on reducing pollution statewide, encouraging alternative fuel use, and promoting greener commuting options.

MRSC Releases Results of Local Government Climate Response Survey

October 12, 2021 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Climate Change , MRSC News and Updates

MRSC's Local Climate Response Project surveyed local government staff about their agency's concerns and actions related to climate change, and the results are available in this blog.

2021 Climate-Related Legislative Outcomes

September 10, 2021 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Climate Change , New Legislation and Regulations

As Washington State looks to become carbon neutral by 2050, the 2021 legislative session produced several bills that will facilitate the state's efforts.

Disaster Zone: Heat Waves in the Pacific Northwest

July 26, 2021 by Eric Holdeman
Category: Climate Change , Emergency Management , Guest Author

Heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest? This blog looks at a possible future where this is the norm, not the exception.

MRSC Tackles Big Challenges Through Its Local Climate Response Project

July 15, 2021 by Tracy Burrows
Category: Climate Change , MRSC News and Updates

MRSC is launching the Local Climate Response Project this month to help local governments protect the health and economic vitality of their communities.

Meeting the Challenge of Washington’s New Clean Buildings Standard

March 4, 2021 by Bonnie Frye Hemphill
Category: Climate Change , Energy Resources and Conservation , Design , Guest Author

This blog post will provide an overview of the New Clean Building Standard and how it applies to your publicly owned buildings.

Climate Change: What Can Local Governments Do?

October 8, 2020 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Climate Change

This blog explains the basic elements of a Climate Action Plan, provides examples, and shares some of the many resources related to climate policy.

Looking at Sustainability in Snoqualmie

April 26, 2016 by Jill Sterrett
Category: Climate Change , Guest Author

A history of sustainability in the city of Snoqualmie.

Game Changing: Local Planners Rising to Meet Global Challenges

March 17, 2015 by Jill Sterrett
Category: Climate Change , Guest Author

In my article last October, I talked about Climate Change in the news and some of the actions that planners in the Washington Chapter of American Planning Association are taking to plan for the changes that Washington will face. Today, I’d like to update you on our progress and talk about the upcoming National Planning Conference.

Climate Change - What is to be Done?

October 13, 2014 by Jill Sterrett
Category: Climate Change , Guest Author

Sometimes climate change seems like too much. How can we spend public funds and staff time on problems that seem so big and far away?

Sea Level Rise: A Challenge for Washington’s Coastal Communities

April 28, 2014 by Carol Tobin
Category: Climate Change

Coastal communities throughout the world face significant challenges with rising sea levels. Increases in atmospheric temperatures cause ocean water to expand and land ice to melt. Rising sea levels coupled with ...