Washington state representatives from business, education, and government, including Gov. Jay Inslee, will participate in a trade mission to the Nordic countries of Finland, Sweden and Norway from Sept. 13 to Sept. 23.
Washington state has deep cultural and business ties to Scandinavia going back to the late 19th Century when immigrants from the region came in large numbers to work in the fishing and shipbuilding industries, timber, mining and agriculture. Today, these bonds include economic development partnerships with some of Washington’s largest employers and industries, as well as agreements that promote research and technological innovations here and in Scandinavia.
The governor’s policy agenda for the mission focuses on business partnerships and innovative approaches to energy, technology, sustainability and resilience to climate change in the region. Other policy areas on the governor’s agenda include education, improvements to correctional facilities, immigration and attracting more investment in Washington state.
“Ever since the familiar terrain of the Pacific Northwest drew countless immigrants from the Nordic countries over a century ago, our regions have enjoyed strong economic and cultural ties that persist to this day,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “We’re innovating together to find the next great advances in technology, science, and fighting climate change. Our delegation is bringing new ideas and new jobs to Washington.”
Representatives of the state Department of Commerce, the Port of Seattle, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, TRIDEC and some of the state’s largest employers – including Microsoft and Alaska Airlines – will also join the trip. Representatives from the University of Washington and Washington State University will also attend. There will be 45 individuals in the delegation total.
“An important focus of the mission is developing mutually beneficial partnerships with leading innovation clusters in Finland and Norway, focusing on maritime, clean technology and 5G,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “This is an opportunity to strengthen the strategic partnerships outlined in memorandums of understanding with our Nordic partners and take collective action together to solve societal challenges like climate change.”
“Over the last five years, Washington Maritime Blue has built and formalized significant relationships with partners across the Nordics to support our mutual global leadership in the Blue Economy. I’m thrilled that our work to build a global growth innovation cluster can be a model for accelerating the clean energy transition through joint innovation and a growing startup ecosystem,” said delegation member Joshua Berger, founder, president and CEO of Washington Maritime Blue, an organization that spun off from a sustainable maritime cluster initiative launched by Inslee in 2019.
Washington state’s economic ties to the region include agreements with Finland and Norway to collaborate on technological innovations for major parts of the economy, such as reducing supply chain bottlenecks. Businesses based in Norway, Sweden and Finland have more than 80 entities operating in Washington employing more than 5,000 people across the state.
TRADE MISSION ITINERARY
The governor will be in Finland from Sept. 13 to 16; Sweden from Sept. 16 to 20; and Norway from Sept. 20 to 23. Other members of the Washington state delegation may have different schedules.
In Finland, the governor’s agenda includes learning about the country’s novel approaches to nuclear waste disposal; the country’s partnership with state innovation clusters on the development of 5G and 6G technologies; and how Microsoft is recycling heat waste from data centers to warm homes, as well as other ways Finland is reducing waste.
In Sweden, the governor will learn from government, university and business leaders about the country’s transition to a green economy across key industries, including how the transition has brought new job opportunities to rural areas. The governor will also learn about how waste reduction technologies are integrated into the country’s affordable housing construction to address housing insecurity and sustainability at the same time.
In Norway, the governor and delegation will meet with major businesses, such as Corvus Energy, to discuss opportunities to expand business partnerships in Washington state. The governor will also meet with Norwegian corrections officials on how they’ve improved practices with incarcerated populations to effectively rehabilitate inmates before they re-enter their communities.
The governor will also learn about electric ferries being deployed in Norway’s transportation system. Joined by representatives from the University of Washington and Washington State University, the governor will tour what will be the world’s largest ocean research vessel, currently under construction, with the goal of strengthening cooperation between Washington-based researchers and international oceanic researchers.
The delegation includes leaders of Washington’s Innovation Cluster Accelerator, launched by the Department of Commerce in 2021 to transform the state’s legacy industries and build new industries for the future. This industry-led economic development initiative is modeled after similar programs in Norway and Finland. Delegation members will meet and collaborate with Nordic innovation cluster leaders, companies, academic partners, and tech innovation centers.
The mission is financed by a combination of outside sponsorship, funds provided by the Legislature for the purpose of executing the memorandum of understanding with Finland, and delegate fees paid to the state Department of Commerce.
In other State News Headlines.
Inslee announces end to remaining COVID-19 emergency orders and state of emergency by October 31.
Washington state receives $1.4 million SBA grant to boost small business exports.
Join our Sept. 13 public forum about low-carbon energy siting study.
Ecology invites public comment on changes to some air quality permit fees.
WDFW seeks input on potentially opening section of Chelan River to fishing.
Methow Wildlife Area trailhead to temporarily close for improvements.
Snohomish County veterinarian restricted on alleged improper treatment of two canine patients.
NEWS FROM CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION.
Cantwell Takes the Field With U.S. Soccer for Signing of Historic Equal Pay Agreement
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES.
Queen Elizabeth II: ‘Reassuring presence’ throughout decades of ‘sweeping change’.
Classrooms must be places of ‘peace and learning’, UN chief says on education protection day.
Volker Türk appointed new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Sanctioning Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security for Malign Cyber Activities.
The United States is designating Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and its Minister of Intelligence, Esmail Khatib, for engaging in cyber-enabled activities against the United States and its Allies.
In July 2022, cyber threat actors assessed to be sponsored by the Government of Iran and its MOIS disrupted Albanian government computer systems, forcing the government to suspend public services for its citizens. Since at least 2007, the MOIS and its cyber actor proxies have conducted malicious cyber operations targeting a range of government and private-sector organizations across various critical infrastructure sectors.
Iran’s cyberattacks targeting civilian government services and critical infrastructure sectors can cause grave damage to these services and disregard norms of responsible peacetime state behavior in cyberspace. The United States will continue to use all appropriate tools to counter cyberattacks against the United States and our Allies.
China May Draw Lessons From Russian Failures in Ukraine--DOD
NATIONAL & BUSINESS NEWS HEADLINES.
Secretary Miguel Cardona Announces the Road to Success Back to School Bus Tour
Monkeypox Update: FDA Takes Significant Action to Help Expand Access to Testing.
"WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has entered into a Voluntary Compliance Agreement-Conciliation Agreement (VCA-CA) with the Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Texas (DHA), requiring DHA to pay $500,000 to a former public housing tenant subjected to housing discrimination. Read the VCA-CA here."
HUD ANNOUNCES $12.5 MILLION FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP
'WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced the availability of $12.5 million through the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) for eligible national and regional non-profit organizations and consortia with experience providing or facilitating self-help housing opportunities.'
BUSINESS HEADLINES.
Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Texas Tax Preparer
The Economic Outlook: Time to Let the Data Do the Talking
Governor Christopher J. Waller
At the 17th Annual Vienna Macroeconomics Workshop (2022), Vienna, Austria.--THE FED
How the Space Industry Is Taking Off in 2022
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on 2022 Public Charge Final Rule--USDA
FTC to Host Forum on September 8 on Commercial Surveillance and Lax Data Security Practices.
IN FOCUS!
DOE: Washington sets path to phase out gas vehicles by 2035.
Plan would require 100% of new passenger cars and trucks to run on zero-emission technology.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Who-we-are/News/2022/Sept-7-Clean-Vehicles-Public-Comment
OLYMPIA –
The Washington Department of Ecology is proposing rules requiring all new light-duty cars and trucks sold in Washington to meet zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards by 2035. The department is accepting public comments on the proposed regulations through Oct. 19.
Washington will be one of the first states to adopt the ZEV mandate after California’s decision last month to approve its new standards. Under the standards, zero-emission vehicles can include electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid cars and trucks, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
“Switching to zero-emission vehicles is a critical milestone in our climate fight,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “With growing numbers of consumers and manufacturers already making the switch, we’re making sure Washington is ready to seize the benefits of our EV future.”
Transportation emissions are the biggest source of carbon pollution in Washington, accounting for about 45% of total greenhouse gas emissions in our state. Most of that pollution comes from passenger cars and trucks.
A 2020 law passed by the Washington Legislature requires Ecology to amend the ZEV rules in its Clean Vehicles Program to match those in California and other states moving away from gas- and diesel-powered vehicles. In total, 16 states, representing more than 35% of all national vehicle sales, are adopting these policies.
The new ZEV standards will require manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of electric and other zero-emission vehicles based on overall sales until reaching 100% by 2035. The standards expand on regulations adopted in 2021, which require about 8% of new vehicles sold to meet zero-emission requirements beginning with model year 2025.
Although the new proposal sets a 2035 deadline for meeting ZEV criteria, Washington is working to make the switch even faster – the state transportation package passed earlier this year sets a 2030 target to move away from fossil fuels, and a group of state agencies is developing plans to reach this goal.
“Washingtonians are embracing the transition from cars powered by fossil fuels – there are already more than 100,000 electric vehicles on our roads,” said Laura Watson, Ecology director. “We’ve seen a significant number of new, zero-emission vehicles come on the market in recent years, and we are confident that the technology, production capacity and charging infrastructure needed to make this shift will be there.”
Overburdened communities, particularly those located along major transportation corridors, are expected to benefit most from the decline in tailpipe emissions and improvements in air quality.
To help accelerate the shift from cars and trucks powered by fossil fuels, Washington and the federal government offer incentives for drivers who make the switch to electric and other zero-emission vehicles. New ZEVs purchased in Washington for up to $45,000 and used ZEVs purchased for up to $30,000 are fully or partially exempt from state sales taxes. Starting in 2023, the federal Inflation Reduction Act (passed in August) will offer consumers a tax credit of up to $4,000 towards the purchase of a used ZEV and up to $7,500 towards the cost of a new ZEV.
Provide input
Ecology is accepting public comments on zero-emission vehicles and the Clean Vehicles Program through Oct. 19, 2022.
In addition to requiring 100% ZEVs for new car sales by 2035, today’s proposed rules include plans to:
Adopt California’s rules for cleaner heavy-duty engines
Implement early-action credits for ZEV sales in model years 2023 and 2024
Institute a one-time fleet reporting requirement.
Submit comments online, by mail, or at a public hearing:
Comment online.
Mail to: Adam Saul
Department of Ecology
Air Quality Program
P.O. Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
Public hearing
Ecology will hold a virtual public hearing at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022.
We will provide an overview of the proposed rule and hold a question-and-answer period, followed by public comment.
Register here.
https://waecy-wa-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vduCgrzwiEtT05IjMLM1MLUn39OphEVjQ
Zero-Emission Vehicles
2022 ZEV Rulemaking Information
ZEV Sales and Use Tax Exemption
Contact information
Susan Woodward
Communications Manager
susan.woodward@ecy.wa.gov
360-688-8070
Editorial Note: Show of hands, how many drivers in Washington are going to give up their cars, and go electric? Another Inslee, wacky idea!
LOCAL MEETINGS.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Clallam County Work session for 9/12/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1332
Clallam County Board meeting for 9/12/22
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 9/13/22
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09132022-622
City of Sequim Council meeting for 9/12/22
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2685
City of Forks Council meeting for 9/12/22
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Agenda-20220912.pdf
Clallam County PUD for 9/12/22
https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/9-12-22-WEB-Packet.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS.
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 9/12/22
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/48d57ab4-a92f-42c1-ac72-c25f3e3be36f
Port of Port Townsend meeting for 9/14/22
https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/20220914-CommMtg-Agenda.pdf
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: Isaiah 46:4 (New King James Version)
Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Weekly Bible Study
Myth or History?
The Bible is either the product of God or the product of men. Christians believe that the Bible is from the hand of God and that it is to be believed and obeyed in order to have a good life now and Heaven in eternity. --by Forrest D. Moyer
http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/MythOrHistory.html
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
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https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
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This Week's Video:
Glenn: Why you MUST stand now & draw a LINE IN THE SAND
64,070 views Sep 9, 2022 It’s time we PEACEFULLY draw a line in the sand, Glenn says, and declare to the world we’re only willing to do things the right way. In this clip, Glenn describes how one group of pastors and churches are doing just that. So what will YOU do to stand? Because we were all born for these times, Glenn says, and we’re currently being tested. So, can you be the person you were born to be?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap5Q15hWFvY
HEADLINES FROM OTHER SOURCES:
How Journalists Hyped Biden’s Angry, Hateful Attack on Fellow Americans--NEWS BUSTERS
King Charles Proclaimed Monarch, Queen's Funeral on Sept. 19 Newsmax.com
The changes King Charles III has in mind for the royal family--NY POST
