We are the right state, at the right time, with the right people.

Nine of 10 of the hottest years on record happened in the last decade.

Pacific waters are becoming too acidic. In Eastern Washington, our long tradition in agriculture could be threatened if the snow pack declines. Water stored as snow is money in the bank for Washington's rural economies, but the bank could fail if we don't act. 

All of us in Washington will have to square up to both our responsibility and our opportunity on climate change.

On climate change, we have settled the scientific controversy. That's resolved. What remains is how we respond to the challenge. We must embrace our role as first responders...as pioneers...and as entrepreneurs.

We will not hand over our destiny to lead the world in clean energy to any other state or any other nation.

We don't deny science in Washington, we embrace it. We do not follow technological innovation. We lead it. We will not pass up a golden opportunity to create jobs.

These jobs won't just fall into our laps...the clean energy race is highly competitive. 

I look forward to having a real dialogue with the Legislature in the coming weeks.

Let's remember who we are as a state. Washington embraces all people for who they are, allows all to love who they will, is never content with today.

Now let's get to work.

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