WA gov signs climate change blueprint into law

A measure that directs Washington state to come up with plans for cutting greenhouse gas emissions was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Chris Gregoire, who said the state has taken another step to create a new economy based on clean energy and sustainable practices.

"This new green economy is our future," Gregoire said before signing the bill. "A new green economy will give us freedom, it will give us opportunity, it will give us independence."

The measure, which builds on a law that passed last year, also looks to create a "green collar" work force.

The underlying law set targets: to reduce the emissions to 1990 levels by 2020; to 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2035; and to 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 _ or 70 percent below what is currently predicted for 2050.

The new law turns those goals into firm requirements.

It has five major points, led by orders for the state Ecology Department to make dramatic cuts in the state's greenhouse gas emissions.

Ecology regulators also would set up an emissions reporting system, for industries that annually produce 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases and vehicle fleets that emit at least 2,500 metric tons per year. The first reports would be due in 2010, with deferrals possible for interstate transport businesses.

At the same time, the state Transportation Department would set up recommendations for cutting in half the annual per capita vehicle miles traveled by 2050.

"I believe it is our moral obligation to do what we can to protect our planet, to protect ourselves and to protect our economy," Gregoire said. "We can't wait and we can't sit around and wring our hands."

The measure also directs the state to add 25,000 "green collar" jobs by 2020. The green jobs initiative would set up a special state account that gives grants for training and other programs to encourage clean energy businesses.

Washington officials are also authorized to work with the Western Climate Initiative, a partnership of six states and two Canadian provinces, in developing a regional cap-and-trade system aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the West.

The bill's definition of greenhouse gases includes carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Such gases essentially trap energy from the sun, which warms the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. Many scientists believe human activity that increases those gases is contributing to global warming.

House Minority Leader Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, contended the climate change law "didn't accomplish very much.

"I don't view that as a victory," he said.

State Ecology Director Jay Manning said Republicans offered "empty rhetoric" in opposing the measure. He said it sets the standard for the rest of the country.

"It has the most stringent timelines, it has the broadest mandate," he said. "Nobody else is doing the whole economy like we are."

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The climate change bill is House Bill 2815.

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On the Net:

Legislature: http://www.leg.wa.gov

Governor: http://www.governor.wa.gov