Meet the BEACON fellows: Pierce County
The Building Efficiency and Clean Operations Network (BEACON) Project launched in June 2025, placing 10 fellows across the state to provide free, technical assistance to building owners working to meet the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS). We will feature BEACON fellows from different counties for the next few weeks. If you're interested in receiving assistance from a BEACON fellow, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form.
Where is your host site?
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Paige Shinall: I am partnered with Pierce County's Office of Resilience and Climate Action housed within the Planning and Public Works Division.
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Rebekah Lee: My host site is the Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus in Pierce County.
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Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Paige: Originally from Minneapolis, MN, I moved to Tacoma in 2021 for my undergraduate education at the University of Puget Sound. I spent four years playing on the varsity tennis team, working on campus and community outreach projects for my campus's sustainability department, and spending my summers conducting geologic fieldwork as an intern with Mount Rainier National Park. I graduated in the spring of 2025 with a dual degree in Geology and Environmental Policy and lots of memorable experiences. I now reside in Seattle and spend my free time recreating outdoors, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.
Rebekah: I am a born-and-raised Washingtonian. I recently graduated from Emory University with degrees in environmental science and psychology. I have experience working in diverse environmental fields, including environment-based community health projects and initiatives, investigating corporate targets of industrial stormwater permitting, and contributing to agricultural research. I am also passionate about environmental equity and environmental education, especially for underserved regions and historically marginalized communities.
Why did you apply to be a BEACON fellow?
Paige: I applied for the BEACON fellowship because I wanted to continue in the environmental field and learn more about energy efficiency efforts. I was compelled by the structure of the fellowship and the comprehensive training provided to fellows. I have loved being able to connect with different professionals in the field and learn more about how we can help protect the planet in large and small ways.
Rebekah: As a Washington native and sustainability-focused individual, the BEACON fellowship is an excellent opportunity to enact positive change for my community as well as acquiring and applying sustainable skills. As a fellow, I am able to support and help enact tangible, sustainable changes that have immediate and significant impacts in my home state. The BEACON fellowship has helped me develop professionally while allowing me to build environmental resilience and give back to my home.
Both Paige and Rebekah provide Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) support to Tier 1 and Tier 2 buildings in Pierce County. To receive services, please complete the BEACON Project Interest Form. You can also email Paige at paigeshinall@climatecorps.org and Rebekah at rebekahlee@climatecorps.org.
HB1543 rulemaking updates
Environmental justice assessment on HB1543 rulemaking
The environmental justice assessment (PDF) on HB1543 Rulemaking is now available on the Office of Financial Management dashboard and our Clean Buildings website. We encourage everyone, especially those from impacted communities, to share their input to help shape the final rulemaking. Submit comments using the public comment form.
Submit your comments
On July 23, 2025, Commerce held the second HB1543 rulemaking workshop focused on alternative compliance pathways of the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS). If you were not able to attend, we encourage you to review the materials provided below and submit your comments:
Join us for an upcoming workshop
Our August 13, 2025, workshop will cover the some clarifying language and a comprehensive review of all the proposed rules. Please see the workshop schedule below for the remaining workshop schedule.
Register for HB1543 Rulemaking - Workshop 3:
Comprehensive review on Aug. 13, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
In case you missed it
If you missed any of the HB1543 rulemaking workshops the recordings and presentations are available on the rulemaking section of our website under the heading HB1543 Rulemaking. All events will be recorded and posted on the Clean Buildings webpage.
For additional questions or support, please contact us through our Clean Buildings Customer Support Form or email us at: buildings@commerce.wa.gov
PSE Benchmarking Workshop
PSE is now offering a monthly one-hour benchmarking workshop to walk customers step by step through setting up their Energy Star Portfolio Manager profile and building dashboard. Interested PSE customers can register for the PSE Clean Buildings Benchmarking Workshop.
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