Laurelhurst
Community Club
Serving 2800 Households in
May 16, 2004
Council President Jan Drago and
Members of the Seattle City Council
600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 2
P.O. Box 34025
Seattle, Washington 98105 Fax 206-684-8587
RE: Comprehensive Plan Amendment on the Precautionary Principle
Dear Council President Drago and Members of the City Council,
At its May 10, 2004 meeting, the Laurelhurst Community Club Board of Trustees endorsed the Precautionary Principle amendment to the Environment Element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan proposed by the American Lung Association and several environmental organizations. We agree that incorporation of the Precautionary Principle amendment into the Comprehensive Plan would amplify the City’s existing value statements and policies emphasizing environmental protection without requiring additional resources. We also support the focus on public involvement—a key part of the proposed amendment.
After studying the white paper prepared by the Seattle Precautionary Principle Working Group and listening to the presentation by the distinguished panel members participating in the April 22, 2004 forum, we are convinced that the Precautionary Principle can and should be implemented as part of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan. It is important to link environmental concerns with public health. It makes sense for government, the business community and citizens to work together to identify whether there is plausible harm associated with any particular project or activity and to take appropriate precautionary measures to avoid the harm. Erring on the side of caution will ultimately save money and protect our environment.
The City is moving in the direction of implementing the Precautionary Principle through the Office of Sustainability and through its purchasing policies in several areas. It is now the time to move forward to incorporate this policy framework into our Comprehensive Plan in other areas. Thank you for considering our views.
Sincerely,
Jeannie Hale, President
3425 West Laurelhurst Drive NE
Seattle, Washington 98105
206-525-5135 / fax 206-525-9631