Tag Archives: green new deal

‘Amazon Tax Legislation’ unveiled — Plan would tax payrolls of Amazon and Seattle’s ‘825 biggest companies’

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Swatting away ethics concerns, Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant unveiled her proposal Wednesday morning that would raise $300 million for housing and environmental initiatives with a tax on Amazon and Seattle’s largest payrolls.

“On behalf of our movement, I’m excited to put forward this bold, transformative proposal,” Sawant said. “We know that big business, the wealthy, and the political establishment will staunchly oppose this, and that we will need a powerful movement. If we win, this will not only transform the lives of Seattle’s working people, it will set a historical marker for cities around the nation.”

The online giant remains in Sawant’s crosshairs. Sawant’s official Seattle City Council press release on the announcement calls her proposal the “Amazon Tax Legislation.” Continue reading →

It’s about that bold climate action, boss — Youth climate activists push Mayor on Green New Deal executive order

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Three young climate activists let Mayor Durkan know that they are looking to her for “bold climate action” (Image: SCCI)

With reporting by Seattle City Council Insight

In December, Mayor Jenny Durkan was named a “City Leader of the Year” in large part for her pledges to tackle climate change. 2020 begins with work to live up to the accolade.

Wednesday, Durkan signed an executive order specifying several actions that her administration will take to advance a “Green New Deal for Seattle.”

Last year the City Council passed a Green New Deal resolution and established an oversight board for environment-related work by the city. The resolution lists many actions, including studying the feasibility of the city purchasing renewable natural gas for use in buildings and the city’s transportation fleet and writing a “Green New Deal budget memo” as part of the annual budget process. Continue reading →

Seattle City Council ready to support Friday’s Climate Strike in Cal Anderson

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(Image: CHS)

District 3 representative Kshama Sawant is bringing a resolution to the full City Council in support of students participating in Friday’s Seattle Climate Strike at Cal Anderson.

The resolution to be presented and voted on Monday afternoon will show “support of the youth-led September 20, 2019 Global Climate Strike” and urge “Seattle Public Schools to support its students’ right to assemble and participate in the Global Climate Strike.” It will also affirm that city employees “may request unpaid leave for a day of conscience,” according to the council summary of the planned resolution. Continue reading →

To cut down on greenhouse gases and fracking, Seattle considers natural gas ban

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The Seattle City Council will begin the process Friday for firing up a possible ban on natural gas in new construction — but don’t worry, chef, your gas ranges will probably be safe for now.

The legislation would prohibit natural gas hookups in new homes and apartment buildings starting in 2020. Council member Mike O’Brien will take up the proposal Friday afternoon in his sustainability committee session. Continue reading →