Panel Work Groups

Measuring Progress The Work Group's purpose is to develop indicators so that members of the public and legislators can understand the state of sustainability. Since June, the Group has made the following progress:

Cut back the initial, very ambitious scope of work to something more reasonable.

On July 30th, the group met at Ft Lewis for daylong retreat, and developed a very clear path forward. Andrea distributed this path to Panel members in RFP format for a future organization to take on the work of developing indicators. This future organization will develop a methodology for developing indicators in a collaborative state-wide process, organize and the implement process, research what's already out there, identify absent data, synthesize stakeholder input, and come out with an indicators system. This indicators system will include a data and communications system. We want this organization to maintain this system over time and measure trends.

The group also identified 5 scenarios for the type of organization that could take on this work. Andrea distributed a table that outlines them. The Work Group believes the key issues are credibility, financial stability, ability to influence decision-makers, and ability to communicate results.

State Strategies

Doug Sutherland sent a reply to the work group's letter urging certification for state forests. Among other items, the Sutherland response stated that the Washington Department of Natural Resources is evaluating seeking certification, and the Board will decide whether to do so. (Read the letter to Doug Sutherland recommending state certification under FSC and SFI.)

Rich Feldman and Marc Daudon testified on the Panel's behalf at the EFSEC hearing, evaluating CO2 mitigation requirements for new power plants. Reports are that the presentation went well. Rich reported that the Business Council asserted in their testimony that EFSEC does not have the authority to set greenhouse gas mitigation requirements. (Read the letter sent to EFSEC.)

A letter was sent on behalf of the Panel to DNR for its draft EIS for Sustainable Forest Management.

Innovation Institute Since the June, the Innovation Institute Work Group has made progress in the following areas:

Submitted a grant to the Russell Family Foundation, a decision should be given by the end of September.

Created a Board of Advisors, which has several members representing fields such as venture capital and architecture. The purpose of the Board is to provide some heft to drive the effort forward.

Communications

Preparing to distribute the Panel's report to influential people with a cover letter that introduces the report and welcomes people to invite the Panel to present work to their organizations. The Group began with Northwest Environment Watch's distribution list and has added to it.

Scheduling presentations on the Panel's work. At the June meeting, each member agreed to give a presentation on the Panel's work in their area (geographic or specialty). Andrea gave one yesterday to Spokane office of CH2MHill, while Steve organized a public forum in Seattle yesterday. The Co-Chairs passed around a sign-up sheet for Panel members to use.

Created a calendar of sustainability events around the state.

Laura and the Sustainable Seattle staff created a monthly newsletter, and have updated the website. The staff will continue to update the website monthly.

Had a conference call with the State Strategies Work Group in August. KC Golden and Rich Feldman are working on an Op-Ed that looks at assuming a leadership role in energy industry (but wouldn't necessarily be from the Panel).