Senate Passes Measure On Climate Change For Cities, Counties

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Senate has passed a measure allowing local governments to address climate change through their plans on land use and transportation.

The measure passed on a 31-18 vote after a heated debate, and now heads to the House.

Under the bill, a local government global warming mitigation and adaptation program is set up and run by the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. At least three counties and six cities will compete to participate in the program, and will receive technical and financial assistance from the department.

Supporters say it will help local governments who want to be proactive about climate change issues; opponents argue that it’s an unfair mandate on counties and cities.