When the federal government blocked California’s tough vehicle emissions standards in December — stopping Washington’s new standards in the process — it underscored why so many states and local governments are taking their own aggressive steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to climate change.
The Bush administration not only won’t lead on this critical issue, it won’t get out of the way.
That barrier to responsible action probably will be lowered or removed completely when a new president takes office next January, but in the meantime, it’s good that state and local efforts are moving forward — on their own and in concert. Those who lead in finding solutions now will be in a better position to avoid a panicked and potentially more costly scramble to clean up their act later. By adopting cleaner practices and policies now, especially ones that use incentives to encourage innovation, our region will be in a better position to take advantage of economic benefits to be gained as new green technologies emerge.
Gov. Chris Gregoire is asking lawmakers in Olympia to keep Washington out front by taking some measured steps this session that would lead to larger initiatives, still under discussion by the governor’s public/private Climate Advisory Team, for next year. Among her proposals are requiring large greenhouse-gas emitters, like industrial sites and vehicle fleet operators, to report their emissions so a baseline can be established to measure future reductions. Straightforward formulas based on fuel consumption can be used, said Janice Adair of the state Department of Ecology; lots of expensive equipment won’t be required.
Gregoire also wants to create a training program to support the growth of clean-energy jobs.
Meanwhile, Washington is working with other Western states, three Mexican states and two Canadian provinces on the Western Climate Initiative, which is working to design a regional, market-based system to help achieve significant emission reductions. A proposal from that group is expected in August. Closer to home, Snohomish County and its largest cities are measuring their emissions, phasing cleaner burning fuels into their fleets, adopting greener building standards and taking other steps to ensure emission reductions.
Individuals can do their part by taking an inventory of their own emissions footprint. In our region, 45 percent of greenhouse-gas emissions come from transportation, primarily cars. Adopting greener habits, like carpooling or using transit, combining errands and considering a more fuel-efficient vehicle can make a huge difference in our overall success.
Action to curb climate change is necessary and inevitable. The more we do now, as individuals, communities and states, the more in control of those steps we’re likely to be.
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