WA State Governor Gregoire Continues to Fight Climate Change

New Law Sets Goals to Reduce Emissions Over the Next 40 Years

Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire takes the threat of climate change very seriously, and intends to have the residents of her state take action. On Thursday 5/3/07 she signed into law a bill which sets goals to reduce emissions over the next 40 years. The law also bars utilities from signing long-term contracts with coal-fired power plants that produce excessive greenhouse gases.

Gregoire said the new law means Washington is attacking climate change with "no more delay, no more doubt, no more excuses. Today, together, we take action."

The law establishes an emissions performance standard for electric generation facilities in Washington, committing to low emissions resources that can meet our state's future needs. The bill establishes state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sets a goal for creating new jobs in the clean energy sector.

This law is part of Gregoire's announced "Climate Change Challenge". She has set many specific goals for Washington state, which will reverse our contributions toclimate pollution. In addition, we can move away from our over-dependence on foreign oil and we can grow a clean energy economy .

The bill was generally well-supported. The only criticism came from opponents questioned the science behind global warming and warned that families would end up paying unnecessarily higher electricity bills as a result. Some critics contend that it is a step in the right direction, but not enough. In February, Governor Gregoire signed an executive order establishing goals for reductions in climate pollution, increases in jobs, and reductions in expenditures on imported fuel.

"We have all seen the science and we must increase our efforts to respond," said Governor Gregoire. "Washington is uniquely vulnerable to the changing climate, but we are also positioned to succeed in the clean energy economy. We have already taken steps to strengthen emission standards, build the biofuels industry and promote renewable sources of energy. With these next steps, I believe we can reduce our climate pollution, grow jobs and move toward energy independence."