Governor Otter, We Need Action on Global Warming Not More Data

Dear Governor Otter,

Concerning your recent order to track greenhouse gas emissions, that information already exists in the State Energy Data System. The Energy Information Administration uses that data and has estimated state CO2 emissions dating back to 1990. The results are organized by fuel and sector and are available to the public. It is interesting to note that Idaho ranks 47th in the nation as a carbon emitter as we contribute only 0.27% of the total US carbon emissions.

Upon review of this data you will see that more than half of our emissions came from the transportation sector. One can only speculate that our emissions from that sector will increase as we continue to grow and more people move, with their cars, into the area. It seems obvious that if we want to reduce carbon emissions in our state we must change the types of vehicles we drive and the way we drive them.

Not only does the data you are seeking already exist, but I am also confused as to why you are charging the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) with "coordinating the inventory and making recommendations for reducing greenhouse gases in the state" (Idaho Statesman). They should be doing that already. On April 2nd of this year the Supreme Court ruled that CO2 is a pollutant as defined in the Clean Air Act giving the authority to the Environmental Protection Agency to charge the DEQ with this task.

The bottom line is that your order serves no purpose and therefore may be seen only as a political gesture. Also, it is disappointing that you are receiving accolades from the Snake River Alliance and the Idaho Statesman editorial staff. Apparently these groups are tied into the politics of this issue as well.