Promoting the Clean Energy and Carbon Reduction Policies in Washington

Res #:	Committee:	Submitted by:	Title:         Pass →	Yes	No	Amended/Tabled	To NCAI
19-09	Natural Resources/Lands	Taylor Aalvik	Promoting the Clean Energy and Carbon Reduction Policies in Washington	X

 2019 Winter Convention 

Portland Oregon 

RESOLUTION #19 – 09 

“PROMOTING THE CLEAN ENERGY AND CARBON REDUCTION POLICIES IN WASHINGTON” 

PREAMBLE 

We the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders, and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise to promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of the ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, Indigenous Peoples in the U.S., including 567 federally-recognized Tribes, are facing immediate and significant impacts from climate change; and 

WHEREAS, a growing body of literature illustrates the unique issues facing Tribes as a result of climate change, including the recently developed Primer on Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples, Guidelines for Considering Traditional Knowledges (TKs) in Climate Change Initiatives, and the special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Climatic Change, “Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples in the United States: Impacts, Experiences and Actions;” and 

WHEREAS, the transition to clean energy presents economic and community benefit opportunities that surpass further expansion of the fossil fuel economy; and 

WHEREAS, renewable sources of energy can have significant public health and other co-benefits that can help address pressing ecological and environmental justice challenges in sensitive ecosystems, Tribal governments, and Native American and rural communities in Washington and around the country; and 

WHEREAS, Tribes and Native Americans have unique experiences and energy expertise and, communities are at the frontline of climate change, but are often not included in policy conversations; and 

WHEREAS, equitable solutions exist to ensure shared benefits from renewable energy and a transition to a clean energy economy, including but not limited to; access to the financial services, community-based development of renewable energy, equitable pricing structures, community solar programs with low-income carve-outs, non-profit organization leadership, and access to public energy conservation facilities; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI does hereby call upon all Washington state government officials, including state agencies to ensure that tribes are full partners in developing and implementing state policy to address mitigating and adapting to climate change in Washington; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI supports Washington state policy and programs that limit climate pollution, internalizes the external costs from that pollution, and invests proceeds in reducing climate pollution and promoting community benefit; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI members will proactively engage in advancing state efforts to reduce climate pollution and promote clean energy jobs by: 

1. Supporting Washington Tribes efforts to develop carbon policy legislation; 

2. Submitting letters of support from individual tribal governments to decision-makers; 

3. Participating in implementation processes where possible; 

4. Defending against opposition and efforts to weaken or repeal; 

5. Supporting the coordination and involvement of Washington Tribes; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that ATNI moves to support Washington Tribes in developing and promoting Washington State policy and legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest proceeds in Washington’s clean energy economy and call on all Washington state government officials, including state agencies to ensure that Washington tribes are full partners in developing and implementing effective greenhouse gas reduction legislation. 

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2019 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 28-31, 2019, with a quorum present. 

______________________________ ______________________________ 

Leonard Forsman, President Norma Jean Louie, Secretary