Hospitals are stepping up to the table to advocate for climate and health policy – literally. John Leigh, Virginia Mason Medical Center sustainability director, recently testified to the Washington state House Environment and Energy Committee in support of Gov. Inslee’s clean buildings proposal. Providence St. Joseph Health joined a written letter of support that the two health systems submitted to the House and Senate environmental committees.

Buildings are the second largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Washington. The bill, HB 1257, requires the state to develop energy performance standards, which will apply to buildings over 50,000 square feet beginning in 2026. The legislation also creates an early adoption incentive program to provide funding to building owners who demonstrate improved energy efficiency.  

“HB 1257 will help building owners reduce their GHG emissions and help Washington meet their
climate goals. The energy performance standards will provide the extra push to make
implementing energy efficiency measures a priority for building owners, who will then benefit
from cost savings,” explained Leigh.

Providence St. Joseph Health, along with Health Care Without Harm, also signed on to a health group support letter for the governor’s 100 percent clean energy proposal, which requires utilities to transition to renewable sources of electricity by 2045. The unprecedented support for clean energy from the Washington health community included the Washington State Medical Association, the state Academy of Family Physicians, the American Lung Association, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the state chapter of the American College of Physicians.  

With 15 hospitals in Washington, Providence St. Joseph Health, a Practice Greenhealth member, is one of the largest health care providers in the state. Their support is a powerful voice to help protect the health of their patients and communities from air pollution and climate change. The clean energy proposal is critical to help prevent the worst effects of climate change and presents a significant opportunity to simultaneously improve health outcomes.

The governor’s office estimates that the transition to 100 percent clean electricity grid by 2045 will reduce GHG emissions by 5.9 million megatons in 15 years. The legislation sets significant interim goals, including a phase out of coal-powered sources of electricity by 2025 and renewable energy targets beginning in 2030. The bill also includes energy assistance to low-income households in the state.

For more information about our policy advocacy efforts in Washington, please contact Robyn Rothman.