Opinion: Successful Rally But Governor No Show Shameful
by Darren Moore
Last Saturday, Governor Jay Inslee was nowhere to be found at the State Capitol, despite being invited by climate activists to declare a Climate Emergency. The “Green Governor” had been challenged to turn his recent climate rhetoric into tangible action and use his executive privilege to raise his political profile and make a crucial impact in the fight against climate catastrophe.
However, the Governor failed to show up, disappointing those who had hoped for some meaningful action from a leader who has positioned himself as a champion of the environment. The climate activists had used various methods to extend the invitation, including a video on social media, emails, letters, and in-person requests, but to no avail.
The Protectors of the Salish Sea, an indigenous-led environmental advocacy group, had recently completed a 46-mile walk from Puget Sound Energy’s Liquefied Natural Gas plant in Tacoma to the State Capitol in Olympia to mark the start of global Climate Strikes. They erected four tarpees on the steps of the Capitol building and held banners calling for the Governor to meet their four demands.
The Protectors are demanding the Governor declare a climate emergency in Washington State, halt all fossil fuel projects in the state, convene a special session on climate change that includes voices from youth, indigenous leaders, and other affected communities, and honor treaty rights by meeting these demands.
However, Governor Inslee’s actions have fallen short of the expectations set by his words. Despite publicly opposing the Tacoma LNG and Kalama Methanol projects, he has not taken any concrete steps to follow through on his promise. His recent executive order on vaping and lack of action on climate change has been seen as hypocritical, especially as he has been traveling the country advocating for states to take action on the environment.
The Protectors’ occupation of the State Capitol is a testament to their determination to secure a better future for their children and the planet. Despite facing opposition from the Governor and his administration, they remain steadfast in their commitment to environmental protection and continue their daily prayers and ceremonies on the steps of the legislature.
In the end, the Protectors and climate activists feel let down by a government that fails to take meaningful action on climate change, despite the urgency and severity of the situation. They believe that words without action are a dangerous dereliction of duty, and they will continue their efforts to raise awareness and push for change, even in the face of adversity.