TagEnergy(8)

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) announced in May 2021 that it would make an additional $27.7 million available through its COVID Bill Assistance Program to help residential customers struggling to pay energy bills due to the pandemic. Customers whose net monthly household income falls at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and have a past due balance may qualify for up to $2,500 per year in assistance. PSE also offered extended payment plans of up to 18 months and additional support through programs such as the Warm Home Fund and Weatherization Assistance Program.

The Washington 2021 State Energy Strategy, published by the Washington State Department of Commerce in December 2020, outlines a blueprint for transitioning the state to clean energy by 2050, with the goal of nearly eliminating fossil fuel use while sustaining economic growth. The strategy emphasizes affordable and reliable energy, meeting science-based greenhouse gas emission limits, and ensuring that Tribes, rural communities, and low-income households are included as partners in the transition. Note: this document addresses statewide energy and climate policy and does not contain content related to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

The Port of Seattle Commission established the Energy and Sustainability Standing Committee to develop policy recommendations and monitor progress toward the port's environmental goals, including becoming the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America and reducing carbon emissions 50% by 2030. The committee, composed of two appointed commissioners, oversees areas such as sustainable aviation fuels, shore power for cruise ships, and clean energy planning. While it can gather information and advise the full Commission, it does not have independent legal authority to act on the Commission's behalf.

The Port of Seattle's Sustainability Evaluation Framework outlines six key goals for guiding energy and sustainability decisions: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting public health and the environment, supporting local economic development, advancing race and social justice, leveraging partnerships, and encouraging innovation. Developed by the Energy Production Subcommittee, the framework provides outcomes and evaluation criteria for each goal, supplementing existing financial measures like return on investment. The subcommittee recommends the Port incorporate these considerations into its decision-making when evaluating energy sources and projects.

In October 2017, the Port of Seattle's Energy and Sustainability Committee recommended allocating 3.8 new staff positions and $921,000 in consulting services to advance greenhouse gas reduction goals for both aviation and maritime operations. Key initiatives included reducing natural gas use at airport terminals, improving energy efficiency at maritime facilities, and developing programs to cut ground transportation emissions. These efforts were designed to meet Century Agenda targets of 15% Scope 1 and 2 GHG reductions by 2020 and 50–80% Scope 3 reductions by 2030–2050.