Clean energy economic development

Stimulation of alternative fuel and climate-friendly technology markets are part of Executive Sims' strategy for affecting change beyond the Counties borders. Whether it is hosting a national pilot program on fuel cell technology, operating one of the nations largest fleets of hybrid buses, or becoming one of the largest bio-fuel purchasers in the state, this strategy is helping to bring economies of scale to key elements in the emerging clean energy economy. include purchases of biodiesel and one of the nation's largest hybrid bus and vehicle fleets. This strategy is helping to bring "economies of scale" to the burgeoning bio-fuels and hybrid auto industries -- key elements in the emerging clean energy economy.

Fuel cell demonstration project

King County is operating the nation’s largest molten carbonate fuel cell using wastewater methane at its South Treatment Plant as a test that will benefit wastewater treatment plants across the nation. The partnership with the federal government and FuelCell Energy Inc. is testing advances in technology for the amount of high energy conversion efficiencies and low air emissions for fuel cells.

Biofuels

King County investment in Washington State-grown biodiesel, ethanol and biofuel technologies do more than combat climate change. It contributes to rural revitalization and stimulates a market for regionally grown biofuels as well as alternative fuel technologies.

Energy efficient standards and products

King County implementation of energy efficiency standards and corporate use of an Environmental Purchasing Policy has stimulated the regional market for green products.

Food-climate connections

Work with local farmers, the agriculture sector and fisheries such as Puget Sound Fresh, Farmer-Chef Connection (external link) and Fisherman-Chef Connection has the dual effect of helping to support local livelihoods while also mitigating greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise exist from the freight shipping and travel of food from long distances.

Such strategies are consistent with the unique responsibilities of King County to help the region build and protect civic and socioeconomic wealth in the most efficient ways possible, and should be further funded and incentivized, based on their value as regional solutions to problems of climate change.