On Jan. 16, 2018, Gov. Jay Inslee signed Executive Order 18-01, State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP), which aims to align the state’s day-to-day operations with its ambitious policy goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution. SEEP directs state agencies to identify and adopt cost-effective measures that reduce emissions, focusing on new facilities, existing facilities, ferries, electric vehicles, environmentally preferable purchasing, and finance. In addition, it sets up…
Independent researchers looked at 41 metrics in every state and DC; Washington’s dense aerospace “supercluster” is unmatched Seattle — Washington state is the best, most competitive, location in the U.S. for aerospace design and manufacturing, according to a comprehensive, independent report released today by Gov. Jay Inslee and members of the Choose Washington New Middle-of-the-Market Airplane (NMA) Council. Fairfax, Virginia-based Teal Group, led by Vice President of Analysis Richard Aboulafia and…
OLYMPIA – Governor Jay Inslee today announced winners of the 2018 Smart Communities Awards. Now in its 13th year, the program recognizes achievements by local leaders who promote smart growth planning and projects that contribute to thriving communities, a prosperous economy, and sustainable infrastructure in Washington State. This year’s honorees include the first tribal project nominated for an award. “Outstanding local collaboration is key to creating sustainable communities with a…
A regional network of over 600 aerospace firms, including those in Pierce County, form an essential link in the state’s supply chain, depending on infrastructure investments around Washington to meet just-in-time delivery expectations LAKEWOOD, WA – Leaders in the effort to win design, production and final assembly of Boeing’s potential new middle-of-the-market airplane (NMA) met in Pierce County today, where proximity to OEMs and major trade routes has created a…
Grants and low-interest loans support economic development to strengthen communities in Adams, Grant, Mason, Skamania and Walla Walla counties. OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) approved $2.25 million in loans and grants for public infrastructure development and economic feasibility studies targeting business growth and job creation in the cities of Othello, Stevenson and College Place and the ports of Moses Lake, Royal Slope and Shelton.…
The May 4 summit culminated two days of activities focused on Washington Maritime Blue, our state’s vision for developing a leading clean ocean industry, to include an electric hybrid ferry fleet.
We are lucky to have a talented workforce of experienced building professionals running and managing our 24 local weatherization program around Washington state. One of these professionals is Charlie Rogers, property rehabilitation specialist with Homewise, at the City of Seattle Office of Housing. Charlie was recently profiled on the cover of “Accelerate America” magazine for his work on carbon dioxide heat pump water heaters, a new energy saving technology he’s…
Our Washington State Weatherization Assistance Program staff are getting together in Phoenix the week of May 21 with their western states co-workers to learn the latest in weatherization and building science at the 2018 Energy OutWest conference. One thing you might not have expected them to talk about, though, is poverty – how it moves through generations, how it limits people’s choices and how we can better serve families in…
In April, Commerce’s Director, Brian Bonlender spoke at the IEEE-Northwest Energy Systems Symposium. The following is our summary of his speech. He discussed the many changes occurring in the electric energy industry. In Washington, we have a vision for our energy future—choosing strong, progressive policies based on what makes sense for our state and regional energy systems, environment and the long-term sustainability of our economy. The changes shaping Washington’s electric…
Following is a brief wrap-up from Commerce International Trade Specialist Andrew Crowder on this year’s ChooseWashington delegation to Hannover Messe 2018. Where could you see German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and Mexican President Pena Nieto fist bump a robot? Hannover Messe, of course! With 5,800 exhibitors and 210,000 professional trade visitors, “the Messe” is the largest industrial trade show in the world. The interplay between automation and energy technology, IT platforms…