State Senators Kevin Ranker and Cyrus Habib today welcomed the formation of the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy, a broad coalition of business, labor, community and environmental groups formed in to support statewide efforts to reduce carbon pollution and address global warming.

“For too long climate change has been seen as an exclusively environmental issue, but in reality it also affects our economy, quality of life and communities all over our state—especially people of color and lower income families,” Habib said. “I look forward to working with the Alliance as we build momentum in Olympia for legislative action.”

The Alliance was announced today, hours before climate legislation, identical to a Senate version sponsored by Senator Ranker, was heard in the State House Environment Committee.  The legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Habib.

“It’s exciting that this strong, broad coalition is joining the effort to pass meaningful, effective legislation that makes polluters pay,” Ranker said. “People from all walks of life, from every community, are demanding action and now their voices can be amplified by these efforts.  Regardless of the final legislative package, it is critical that we get this done.”