The US Cool Counties Initiative was launched in July, 2007, by King County, WA, Fairfax County, VA, and the Sierra Club.  All counties that pass a resolution supporting the Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration will commit to reducing their emissions of global warming pollutants to 80% below current levels by the year 2050, most likely cutting emissions by 2% every year until that time.  County boards that pass the Declaration also call on the US federal government to take strong action against global warming, and increase fuel economy standards for vehicles.  The Cool Washington County Campaign seeks to make Washington County, Oregon, one of the first Cool Counties on the west coast.  The Washington County Board of Commissioners should pass the Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration, committing the county government to working against global warming, and becoming a leader in environmental protection.  Signers of this petition urge the Board to do so.

We, the undersigned, urge Washington County to pass the Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration, committing to work toward a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 80% below current levels by the year 2050.  The Cool Counties Initiative, launched in July, 2007, marks the beginning of a groundbreaking movement designed to get county governments more involved in the fight against global warming.  Member counties pledge to work with appropriate government entities to achieve the above reduction in emissions of the gases that cause global warming.  A cut to 80% below current levels by 2050 is the amount by which scientists say the entire country needs to reduce greenhouse emissions, in order to stave off the effects of human-induced climate change.  We believe it would be in keeping with Oregon's finest traditions for Washington County to become involved in this movement.  Please make Washington County a Cool County, and pledge to protect the environment that we all depend on.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.  We look forward to hearing your response.