Climate Commission Statement and Demands

After immense pressure from the community, and an explicit request from the charter review committee, the city of Tacoma has proposed an ordinance that would enshrine in law a Climate and Sustainability Commission. This is a victory for the people of Tacoma. However, as written, the commission has only advisory powers, and is entirely appointed by the city council. While historically the City council has chosen not to take the advice of the people, we urge the City Council to listen to our cries: People over Profit! Climate over Corporations!

Now is the time to put pressure on the city to improve this commission for the sake of every person in Tacoma. The city has declared a climate emergency. Five years later, we are in the hour of climate catastrophe as more people die every year from preventable climate disasters. The city has the power to improve this commission. And the people, united, have the power to force their hand.

Our immediate demands

• Commission will have authoritative powers to require a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for developments.
• Commission will have authoritative powers including the ability to veto permits and projects based upon, but not limited to, the following criteria:
  • Diversity, equity and inclusion as outlined by the existing Equity Index tool
  • Impact to the Ground Water Protection District 
  • Removal of existing mature trees
  • Results of HIA and EIS 
  • Consultation with local tribes
  • Preservation of native ecosystems
• Commission will be majority elected. Youth and non-elected seats must be appointed by the elected commission, not by businesses or the city council.
• Commission will include non-corporate experts, giving right of first refusal to community members.
• Commission will not be restricted by the Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee, and able to make decisions beyond the limitations of the city manager’s supervision.
• Ordinance will grant the commission financial sovereignty, funding gained from the carbon budget and through external donations will provision the commission to the following allocations:
  • Commissioners receive stipends for their work.
  • Commission may install and maintain infrastructure such as air quality filters to contribute to city data
  • Environmental restoration projects

Climate Alliance of the South Sound is requesting one-on-one meetings with council members to discuss how the community can get these demands met in the upcoming ordinance.