| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010 12:40 pm |
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Editorials 
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CURBING GREENHOUSE GASES Show a green commitment Contrary to the apparent fears of most state senators, it is in our state's economic interest to be a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.House members should consider that as they take up a Senate bill that severely weakened the governor's proposal to implement a cap-and-trade system in 2012. Humankind needs to reduce its carbon footprint to curb the effects of climate change, and President Obama has proposed doing so through a national cap-and-trade system. As a member of the Western Climate Initiative, a cooperative effort of seven states and four Canadian provinces, Washington has stated its intent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, with further reductions over time. A cap-and-trade system would mandate those reductions, and create a market where polluters who stay under emission targets could trade allowances to those who have exceeded them. Staying out front on this complex issue, rather than simply waiting for the feds to take action, carries potentially huge benefits for Washington, such as: n Maintaining the state's reputation for green innovation, drawing entrepreneurs and clean-energy companies that will fuel the 21st century economy. That will put Washington in position for jobs, good paying jobs, when the economy finally begins to grow again. n Maximizing the state's leverage as a national cap-and-trade system takes shape. Washington should get credit for the ways it already curbs greenhouse gas emissions --through agriculture, forestry and the use of hydropower -- something regions of the country with high emissions will fight. Being recognized as a green leader by rule makers should help, and could save state businesses and utilities billions. The recession, however, has many lobbyists and lawmakers fearful of anything that might cost consumers and businesses more. So when the Senate passed E2SSB 5735 last week, it took all the teeth out of the governor's cap-and-trade plan, essentially calling for more study. The House needs to do better, at least by establishing a hard-and-fast emission cap, even if it means taking more time to develop the particulars of a trading system. (We'll note, though, that Europe has provided a pretty good blueprint for mistakes to avoid and successes to follow. It shouldn't take a year or more to come up with a workable plan.) Now is the time to be setting the stage for a strong economic recovery, not for sitting on the sidelines waiting for someone else to lead. Lawmakers should be doing everything they can to encourage green businesses to locate here. One way is to send a clear signal that Washington is committed to doing two things at the same time: reducing its carbon footprint and fueling its economy. |
- A revolutionary 747
- Fire breaks out at Everett car dealer
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last
- Boeing's 747-8 takes off after weather delay
- Plan for I-5 closures this week
- A new bowling alley for Monroe?
- Lake Stevens man homeless after fire
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
(10) - Vote on school levies by Tuesday (9)
- Everett police officers cleared in 2008 shooting death (5)
- 1949 travel aid shows how few places blacks were welcome in Washington (4)
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged (4)
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries (4)
- Three politicians who want Gregoire's job in 2012 (3)
- Toyota has powerful D.C. friends (3)
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last (3)
- Life story: Man fought depression courageously, family says (3)
- Edmonds educator, famous announcer dies
- Mill Creek to appeal ruling on annexation
- Through the air, with the greatest of ease
- E-W thriving under new coach
- The path to citizenship
- EUUC puts on ‘Pants & Shoes’
- Wolfpack wins the ‘Battle'
- Lynnwood’s annexation plans OK’d
- Arlington's Cascade Valley Hospital celebrates expansion, national award and 100 years of service
- Business Licences Feb. 2010
- Technology tips for launching your own business
- Business Events Feb. 2010
- Tech Talk: No excuse today for going without a Web site
- State already raising fees and rates that restrict business growth
- Some legislators again targeting people’s initiative petition rights
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