Washington Governor Jay Inslee, speaking at the 2024 Sustainability Leaders Summit hosted by Forbes in New York City, emphasized the importance of overcoming resistance to siting large-scale renewable energy projects, warning that delays could hamper the deployment of artificial intelligence AI technologies critical to advancing clean energy.
While AI can accelerate innovation in battery development and fusion energy, its energy demands are significant, necessitating rapid development of wind, solar, and storage facilities to power AI centers.
Inslee, who has focused his career on combating climate change, expressed concerns about this challenge during his discussion with Forbes senior editor Amy Feldman and Andrew Steer, president and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund.
He highlighted Washington’s climate policies, including the state’s clean fuel standard, mandates for renewable power, and the Climate Commitment Act, which caps emissions and raises funds for green investments through carbon auctions.
Despite these achievements, Inslee warned of the potential repeal of the Climate Commitment Act through Initiative 2117, which is set for a November vote.
Opponents argue that the law contributes to rising costs, while Inslee stressed the policy’s success and importance in reducing emissions.
He underscored Washington’s commitment to climate action, stating, My state is not a state that follows climate deniers.
Earlier in the summit, former U.S. Senator John Kerry echoed Inslee’s message, urging the U.S. to accelerate its transition to clean energy to avoid the escalating costs of delayed action on climate change.