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AWB Expresses Concern Over Locke’s Global Warming Initiative |
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Written On: December 09, 2004 |
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OLYMPIA – As part of his initiative to combat global warming, Governor Gary Locke proposed yesterday that Washington adopt California's stringent vehicle-emission standards.
Locke also proposed that Washington establish state energy-efficiency standards for commercial appliances and products, adopt state goals for reducing greenhouse gases, and require utilities to focus on renewable and energy-efficient electrical generation. Moves are already underway to introduce legislation to make Locke’s proposals law.
“AWB is concerned that this policy initiative will stop Washington’s economic recovery in its tracks for no measurable environmental gains in the northwest,” AWB Government Affairs Director Kristen Sawin said.
AWB supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses but insists that any greenhouse gas policy developed by Washington state should be a voluntary, non-regulatory means of addressing climate change and ensure credit for the reduction in greenhouse emissions already achieved by companies that do business in Washington. Consideration should also be given to the impact any actions taken by the state on global warming will have on Washington’s competitive position and the economic and social welfare of its citizens.
While AWB is very supportive of such alternative energy sources as bio-diesel, biomass and wind power, AWB opposes any attempts on the part of the state to mandate that a certain percentage of energy be produced by alternative means. Use of alternate energy sources by utilities should be market driven. State mandates will only raise energy costs and make Washington less competitive.
In addition, the proposed regulation will cost Washington new car buyers an upfront cost of over $3,000, representing a substantial impact on Washington's economy. There is every reason to believe that potential buyers will not spend that extra $3,000 or that they will cross into Idaho to buy their new car. That $3,000 will not be recoverable through fuel cost savings, nor will that $3,000 surcharge provide any measurable improvement in Washington state's air quality.
Only through sustained economic growth will both the public and private sectors be capable of financing investment in new, clean energy technologies. The proposal for California emission standards for motor vehicles goes far beyond what is reasonable and achievable in the timeframe considered.
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