Real cuts to carbon pollution

There are times — albeit rare — when the federal government leads by example.

On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, at the direction of President Barack Obama, unveiled its Clean Power Plan, which by 2030 aims to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants by 30 percent compared to 2005 levels. It’s a fair and backbone-ish rule, designed to enhance public health, all the while casting the United States into a leadership role in the battle against global climate change.

“By leveraging cleaner energy sources and cutting energy waste, this plan will clean the air we breathe while helping slow climate change so we can leave a safe and healthy future for our kids,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a statement.

Little of this is new to Washington, which has been in the vanguard of curbing carbon pollution (granted, the Northwest’s abundance of hydro makes it a wee easier.) The state’s last coal-fired power plant, TransAlta in Centralia, will be shut down by 2025. And in April, Gov. Jay Inslee signed an executive order to advance a low-carbon, clean-energy agenda, which includes tamping down reliance on dirty, out-of-state, coal-generated electricity. That puts the squeeze on Washington’s largest utility, Puget Sound Energy, which generates one-third of its juice from coal-fired power plants, mostly the Colstrip facility in Montana.

The carbon targets are tailored to each state. Washington’s 72 percent emissions cut sounds high because it factors in the scheduled shuttering of TransAlta.

The takeaway from Monday’s announcement: As Washington goes, so goes the nation.

“Eight years ago, Washington voters established targets for new renewable energy generation in this state. That law built upon our state’s strong legacy of carbon-free energy production and helped drive more than $7 billion in investment in our clean energy economy,” Gov. Jay Inslee said Monday.

There’s nothing abstract about the fallout of climate change. In the Northwest, the price is paid in real time.

“These life-saving protections could not come at a more critical time,” said Dr. William McPherson, a task force volunteer with Coal-Free Washington. “Climate disruption has already cost Washington’s families more than $388 million in 2011 and 2012 alone. Our shellfish, fisheries, forests and coastlines are already feeling the effects of these changes.”

The EPA’s proposed rule reflects farsighted leadership consistent with the public interest. And the Pacific Northwest leads the way.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial: Using discourse to get to common ground

A Building Bridges panel discussion heard from lawmakers and students on disagreeing agreeably.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, July 3

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Schwab: Taking pride in our own independence from tyranny

Many of us are Americans by luck of birth here; real pride requires commitment to democratic values.

Comment: Supreme Court removes another presidential guardrail

It’s ruling invalidating nationwide injunctions will require more lawsuits to afford general protections.

Why have intelligence services if Trump already knows?

Why on earth any intelligent person would squander their credibility as Donald… Continue reading

Can Democrats be taken seriously?

Same question, different answer: Ask a Republican have they witnessed the decline… Continue reading

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Friday, June 27, 2025. The sweeping measure Senate Republican leaders hope to push through has many unpopular elements that they despise. But they face a political reckoning on taxes and the scorn of the president if they fail to pass it. (Kent Nishimura/The New York Times)
Editorial: GOP should heed all-caps message on tax policy bill

Trading cuts to Medicaid and more for tax cuts for the wealthy may have consequences for Republicans.

Alaina Livingston, a 4th grade teacher at Silver Furs Elementary, receives her Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic for Everett School District teachers and staff at Evergreen Middle School on Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: RFK Jr., CDC panel pose threat to vaccine access

Pharmacies following newly changed CDC guidelines may restrict access to vaccines for some patients.

Making adjustments to keep Social Security solvent represents only one of the issues confronting Congress. It could also correct outdated aspects of a program that serves nearly 90 percent of Americans over 65. (Stephen Savage/The New York Times) -- NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH NYT STORY SLUGGED SCI SOCIAL SECURITY BY PAULA SPAN FOR NOV. 26, 2018. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED.
Editorial: Congress must act on Social Security’s solvency

That some workers are weighing early retirement and reduced benefits should bother members of Congress.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, July 2

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Why can’t moderates appeal to voters?

I see a democratic socialist may possibly be the next mayor of… Continue reading

Burke: Assessing dangers to democracy, knowing how to respond

In judging a threat consider Trump’s intent and his ability to carry out his intentions.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.