While fossil fuels are magically appearing at our gas pumps, forward-thinking citizens, scientists and policymakers have been planning for the transition to cleaner, sustainable forms of energy. Within five years, electric ferries will come to Washington State. Bio-based jet fuels have the green light from the FAA and are being tested as we speak. There are already electric vehicles traveling our roads and their sales are projected to increase 40 percent in the next year.

In our labor market, every unit of clean electricity creates more jobs than fossil fuel power. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that over the next decade, jobs in the renewable energy sector will grow twice as fast as any other occupation.

Opposing any new fossil fuel projects – while phasing out the existing ones – makes way for a livable future. I’m as addicted as anyone to fossil fuels, but I’m more addicted to clean air and water. Thank you to those capable of thinking ahead – knowing that the oil era is ending and helping us transition accordingly, justly and fairly.

Shaun Hubbard

Islanders for Safe Shipping