On Jan. 16, 2018, Gov. Jay Inslee signed Executive Order 18-01, State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP), which aims to align the state’s day-to-day operations with its ambitious policy goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution.
SEEP directs state agencies to identify and adopt cost-effective measures that reduce emissions, focusing on new facilities, existing facilities, ferries, electric vehicles, environmentally preferable purchasing, and finance. In addition, it sets up a governance structure to develop and implement projects, foster peer exchange, and establish accountability.
Washington Department of Commerce staff provided technical expertise during SEEP’s development and currently serve on SEEP’s Governing Council and technical working groups.
Because of Commerce’s deep involvement, broad technical expertise, history of leading clean energy initiatives, and role as the agency that most directly supports the Governor’s energy policy priorities, the Governor’s Office, the Department of Enterprise Services have agreed to transfer to Commerce day-to-day responsibilities for overseeing SEEP implementation throughout the state government, with the transition to be completed in the coming weeks.