State looks to lead way on climate change

Our views

The Olympian • Published February 06, 2008

Can Washington state be the national leader on climate change? Can this state develop new technology to substantially reduce carbon emissions globally? Can Washington state create thousands of new “green” jobs, build energy-efficient homes and businesses, convince motorists to convert to mass transit and boost recycling efforts — all in an effort to preserve natural resources and improve the environment?

We’ll better know the answers to those questions a year from now after the state’s Climate Advisory Team gets down to the nitty gritty of recommending new laws and deciding how to pay for programs that will change today’s consumptive behaviors.

The team, which was created by an executive order from Gov. Chris Gregoire one year ago, is set to deliver to the governor today its interim report and recommendations. They’ll spend the next year deciding how to achieve those goals.

The climate team’s assignment a year ago was to outline steps to:

• Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020.

• Increase clean-energy jobs.

• Reduce spending on imported fuels.

It’s a huge undertaking, but one of immense importance to the future of the state, the nation and the planet.

Ecology director Jay Manning, co-chair of the action team with Julie Wilkerson, director of the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, puts it bluntly. “The cost of inaction dwarfs the cost of action,” Manning said. “We are talking about moving from a fossil-fuel based economy to a nonfossil economy. That’s a fundamental change. We’ve never been faced with anything like this before.”

Wilkerson notes that Washington has joined with other West Coast states and Canadian provinces to lead the way on climate change. Waiting for federal leadership is fruitless. As demonstrated regarding tougher fuel efficiency standards for cars, the federal government is more of an impediment than catalyst for change.

As Manning says, “Who knows how long it will take for the feds to get their act together on this. We’re going full steam ahead until there is a federal program.”