Last Thursday, Governor Chris Gregoire issued an executive order directing state actions to reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions, increase transportation and fuel-conservation options for Washingtonians, and protect [Washington's] water supplies and vulnerable coastal areas. 

It was a big week in Seattle for climate change action as environmentalists gathered on Elliot Bay on Thursday to show support for an EPA public hearing that was going on at the same time inside.  The EPA was holding the public hearing to collect comments from the public about a finding last month that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, thus compelling the agency to regulate greenhouse gas-causing emissions under the Clean Air Act.  The public comment hearing was the second one held since the finding, following one two Monday's ago in Arlington, Virginia.  

“The EPA is taking this courageous step forward and we felt we needed to say, ‘We’re here with you. Regular people want this to happen,’” said Dan Ritzman, western director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign.

For a great slideshow of the event - visit Grist's coverage HERE.   
And to watch Governor Chris Gregoire's public testimony before the EPA, follow past the jump.

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