Earth Day is an annual opportunity to remind ourselves of the work we have done and to challenge ourselves to do more for the health of our planet. I know our community cares deeply about the environment. One of the most common concerns I hear from constituents is climate change—what are we doing and what more can we do? There is no question that we must do more, both at the individual and the systemic level, and to act with the urgency that our climate crisis requires.
Here are two examples of work being done on the Eastside to reduce our climate impact:
#1: Restarting Eastside bus rapid transit
 In the Pacific Northwest, transportation alone represents one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, which is why King County’s 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan recommends expanding transit as one of the key actions we can take to solve the climate crisis.
Over the past two years I’ve been working hard to restart the Eastside’s next bus rapid transit line after it was put on hold in early 2020 due to COVID-related funding uncertainty. This new bus rapid transit route, called the RapidRide K Line, will provide fast and reliable transit connections from Totem Lake to Eastgate, via downtown Kirkland and Bellevue.
This week Metro presented its RapidRide Restart Report to our Regional Transit Committee. The Report, which advances planning for the K Line, was a result of a budget amendment I sponsored last year providing the resources needed to carry out this important work.
Our work to restart the RapidRide K Line isn’t over yet. In the coming months I will be advocating to include the K Line in the 2023-24 King County budget and we will be seeking additional funding opportunities to advance this project to construction.
#2: Eastside Climate Challenge
 While we work to build a robust transit system that will reduce car trips, each of us can make changes in our lives to be more sustainable. I was thrilled to learn about the Eastside Climate Challenge, which the cities of Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and Redmond announced this week.
The Eastside Climate Challenge provides tips and resources for you to reduce your carbon footprint, including ways to save energy and water, make more sustainable transportation choices, and eat green and waste less. You can track your progress, estimate your impact, and connect with your neighbors who share your commitment to fighting climate change. Interested in joining the challenge?
Expanding opportunities for citizenship
 Announcing King County's partnership with the national initiative Cities for Citizenship
On Wednesday, I announced that King County has joined Cities for Citizenship, a national initiative aiming to increase citizenship among eligible residents and encouraging investment in citizenship programs in cities and counties. Becoming a citizen opens so many doors to economic and educational opportunities and it can provide someone with a greater sense of security and belonging.
 Click on the image above to watch highlights from Wednesday's announcement
This builds on my work last year with local immigration leaders to create and fund a first-in-the-nation program to cover the fees associated with applying for legal status, which can be prohibitive for many immigrants. I was proud to sponsor the motion for King County to join Cities for Citizenship and I thank my colleagues for unanimously supporting the idea.
Mask confusion on transit
 Photo: Metro Transit
Following the recent US District Court ruling striking down the CDC mask requirement aboard planes, trains, buses and other public transportation and guided by a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) statement, King County Metro and other regional transit agencies have announced they will no longer require their passengers and staff to wear masks. However, Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.
Throughout the pandemic, masks have proven to be an effective way to decrease the spread of COVID-19. As COVID-19 cases go up and down in the future masks remain a tool to keep in our toolkit, along with vaccines and boosters.
Read more about Public Health’s recommendations:
Wondering if it’s worth wearing a mask when others aren’t? Check out this New York Times article for the answer:
Spread the word!
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Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
District 6
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