Statewide emergency declared by Governor Gregoire - KHQ-TV- msnbc.com

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. - On Christmas Eve, Gov. Chris Gregoire proclaimed a state of emergency in Washington due to the state's ongoing series of winter weather and storms.

Gregoire notes snowfall has reached record or near-record level in 30 of Washington's 39 counties.
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Spokane Police are asking for a message to be sent to Spokane citizens - "Be Nice to Others". They have been receiving numerous complaints from citizens, upset that their driveways are being plowed shut. Plow drivers are receiving threats from citizens, neighbors are getting into arguments with each other and tensions are high.

May '07: Gregoire signs climate change measure into law

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Gov. Chris Gregoire has given final approval to a law aimed at curbing greenhouse emissions, saying Washington state is committed to tackling climate change.

The measure, signed into law Thursday in Vancouver, sets goals to reduce emissions over the next 40 years and bars utilities from signing long-term contracts with coal-fired power plants that produce excessive greenhouse gases.

Gregoire said the new law means Washington is attacking climate change with "no more delay, no more doubt, no more excuses. Today, together, we take action."

Jan '08: Gregoire urges fast action on climate change measure

On the first day of the 2008 legislative session, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced a multifaceted climate change bill that could dramatically reshape the state's economy.
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Despite the time squeeze, Gregoire urged action on the global warming bill. "The future of our economy, the future of our great state is at stake," she said.
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King County Executive Ron Sims and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels joined Gregoire at Monday's media event held at McKinstry Co., a Seattle business lauded for its environmentally friendly approach to mechanical construction and engineering.

They echoed the need to make the state a leader in climate-friendly industries and to set a national example.

"I want to urge the Washington state Legislature to make this job No. 1," Nickels said. "We're going to drag this country kicking and screaming into the 21st century."