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WHEREAS, the first Earth Day was enacted 52 years ago, in 1970, and engaged over twenty million
Americans to advocate for a cleaner environment and as an international call to positive action for all citizens
to join a global effort to protect the environment; and
WHEREAS, all people, regardless of race, gender, income, religion or geography, have a moral right
to a healthy environment, and Earth Day is celebrated annually to recommit to the goals of a healthy
environment as foundational to peaceful,just and sustainable societies; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County, Washington is blessed with a wealth of wild and productive forests,
fields, mountains and shorelines stewarded by indigenous people since time immemorial and to this day
provide residents and visitors alike with healthy food, irreplaceable habitat and species, sustainable natural
resources, and many scenic recreational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend committed to creating a
baseline of greenhouse gas emissions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% of 1990 levels,jointly
creating a Climate Action Committee (CAC)to recommend actions for climate change, mitigation, adaption,
and raise awareness of how a changing climate affects our region; and
WHEREAS,the mission of the Climate Action Committee is in alignment with the focus of
International Earth Day 2022 observation and celebration around the world; and
WHEREAS,the CAC recently updated the county-wide greenhouse gas inventory, demonstrating a
40% reduction in emissions since 2005; and
WHEREAS, local governments can be leaders in building a healthy society by addressing issues such
as energy and resource conservation, transportation, sustainable land use planning, waste prevention, and
environmental justice; and
WHEREAS,we acknowledge the importance of Earth Day as a reminder that in Jefferson County,
Earth Day is Every Day;
NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of our communities' deeply held care for and collective
responsibility to preserve and protect our environment, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners
hereby proclaims April 22, 2022 as
International Earth Day
and encourage all residents to commit to lowering their carbon footprint and engaging in efforts to protect and
heal the planet we call home.
APPROVED this 18th day of April, 2022
SEAL: JE FERSON COUNTY
B ARD�F COMMISSIONERS
e'di Isenhour, Chair
ATTEST: ate ` " Member
Carolyn‘Gallaway, CMC
Clerk of the Board e , ember
Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Executive Assistant
DATE: April 18,2022
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming April 22,2022 as International Earth Day
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The first Earth Day was enacted 52 years ago, in 1970, and engaged over twenty million Americans to
advocate for a cleaner environment and as an international call to positive action for all citizens to join
a global effort to protect the environment. Jefferson County, Washington is blessed with a wealth of
wild and productive forests, fields, mountains and shorelines stewarded by indigenous people since
time immemorial and to this day provide residents and visitors alike with healthy food, irreplaceable
habitat and species, sustainable natural resources, and many scenic recreational opportunities.
In 2007, Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend committed to creating a baseline of
greenhouse gas emissions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% of 1990 levels,jointly creating
a Climate Action Committee (CAC)to recommend actions for climate change mitigation and
adaption, and raise awareness of how a changing climate affects our region.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to Jefferson County.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Proclamation re: Proclaiming April 22, 2022 as International Earth Day
REVIEWED BY:
9 2
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Mark McCaule , ounty Administrator D e