Governor's Sustainability Panel Report: "A New Path Forward: Action Plan for a Sustainable Washington" Copies Available through WCIT or download on line at the official site

WCIT participates in Governor's Sustainable Washington Advisory Panel

WCIT is pleased to note that Terry Laggner, CSR Roundtable facilitator and Director of Communications & Sustainability Intitiatives for the Council, was invited to sit on the Panel.

For a full accounting of the activities of the Governor's Panel, please go to the official site.

Russ Barton gave the Panel an

Several Panel members witness Governor Locke signing Executive Order. l to r front: Clover Lockard, Peter Goldmark, Brad Smith, Katherine Baril, Constance Rice, Col.Conte, Terry Laggner, Carol Jolly, Andrea Ramage. Back: Alan Durning, Steve Nicholas, Sue Mecklenberg, Mark Murray

exceptional presention on scientific principles and natural resources. While the slide presentation doesn't capture it all, I have included it.

Purpose of the Advisory Panel
The Governor is asking this Panel to develop an action plan that will lead Washington toward a sustainable future. One of the most compelling principles of sustainability is that a high quality of life, community well being, a vital business climate and healthy ecosystems, require approaches that move simultaneously towards all three. The challenge before this panel is to develop practical and realistic first steps that can be accomplished in the near future. These action steps will begin Washington's journey toward a sustainable future. The primary audience for the plan is the Governor, and proposals are expected also to address needs in government, business, and other sectors within Washington. The final recommendations and products of the Panel's work will be made available for wide distribution to Washington citizens.

Membership
The Panel includes approximately twenty-five members who are recognized by the Governor as important leaders in the State. The members will represent diverse organizational and geographic sectors in Washington, including business, governments, tribes, citizen groups and community organizations. Membership is representative of the three-legged stool of sustainability: economy, environmentand equity.

Support for the Panel
The Governor has authorized funding for consultant support to the Panel, including facilitation services and research support.

Meeting Schedule and Locations
The Panel will have four meetings in the Seattle area between September and November. These half-day meetings will include briefings as well as ample time for the Panel to discuss options for the action plan. Meeting dates are set for September 18th, October 10th, October 31st and November 21st, and are expected to run from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Panel meetings are open to the public.

Additional Information
Please visit the panel web site at www.sustainableseattle.org/sustpanel or contact andrea@cascadiaconsulting.com directly for locations and additional information, resources and links.