DNR Commissioner steps into the fray on climate change and carbon offsets.
Hilary Franz, the state commissioner of public lands, has stepped to the center of the carbon debate in Washington, calling for a strategy that invests in forests, agricultural and aquatic lands, and rural communities as a way to fight climate change.
“My duty is to ensure that our lands and waters remain healthy and productive – supporting Washingtonians not just today, but far into the future,” said Commissioner Hilary Franz. “Climate change not only threatens our ecosystems, it threatens the productivity of the lands that sustain so many communities, from farmers to loggers to shellfish harvesters.If we are to keep our lands healthy and productive, we must reduce carbon pollution.”In order to meet the challenge of climate change head-on, Commissioner Franz outlined Four Resilience Principles of a smart carbon reduction policy:
- Tackle the root cause – carbon pollution – and invest in reduction efforts
- Strengthen the health and resilience of our lands, waters, and communities
- Accelerate carbon sequestration
- Invest in and incentivize solutions with multiple benefits
These principles are intended to guide and inform our state’s debate on carbon policy, yielding solutions that prioritize investments in the health and productivity of our lands and waters, such as funding marine restoration and incentives to keep working farms from being converted to other uses.
Hillary Franz Stance on Climate Change
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/climate