Washington Legislature: It's time for action
The public has awakened to the multiple threats of climate change to people, the economy and the environment. Now, the Legislature must turn that concern into action.
The public has awakened to the multiple threats of climate change to people, the economy and the environment. Now, the Legislature must turn that concern into action.
The pace of global warming increasingly appears to leave little time for the kind of hesitation that so often seizes politicians facing big challenges. Fortunately, though, elected leaders can be pretty good at responding to issues the public clearly cares about. And the state's leadership -- in the governor's office, the Legislature and cities and counties -- has begun to build a framework for dealing with climate change. But we must maintain the progress. Coping with global warming will require learning by doing, both in adapting to and moderating the changes.
One priority bill before the 2008 Legislature will create a structure for implementing the greenhouse gas reduction goals, will make the Department of Ecology responsible for achieving the goals and start the outlines of a program to train workers for clean-energy jobs. We like the accountability and the focus on clean-energy jobs. It's critical -- and entirely possible -- for the global warming fight to be a win-win for people and the environment.
Another proposal would require larger cities and counties to include the reduction of climate impacts in their growth management planning. The phased-in requirement begins to take effect in 2011. At the same time, we hope the Legislature makes sure there is real-time monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions to give local and state policymakers the best information possible on which to plan.
The other two environmental priorities deserve support on their own merits and on their indirect ties to global warming. One would require the Department of Natural Resources to help communities with their local forests and tree programs. Trees absorb pollutants, reduce runoff and, in the right places, can provide cooling shade in summer. By following other states' example in allowing an exemption to lowest-cost bidding requirements, the Legislature should allow schools and other institutions more options to buy fresh, local foods. It'll be good for kids' health and for farms (especially small and medium-size ones), while making a modest cut in the energy costs of shipping foods.
If there's a bright side to global warming, it's the way we are all becoming more conscious of the environment's interconnectedness. By passing this package of measures, the Legislature can connect key dots on human and environmental health.
