washington business
360
With respect to climate policy, what is the
best approach for Washington?
(continued)
an energy vision for the future
— washington state style
putting a price on carbon gives
businesses flexibility
Sen. Doug Ericksen
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon
3. Research and Development: As a hydro and
nuclear state, the best contribution we can make to
reducing carbon worldwide is through R&D at top-tier
research universities. We cannot legislate technological
breakthroughs, but we can invest in those who are
working to make new and cleaner energy a reality.
4. Converting our ferry fleet to liquid natural gas
(LNG): If we pass SB 5735 in the next legislative session,
companies could meet current requirements by investing
in the conversion of the Washington ferry fleet to LNG.
Gas tax dollars would go to roads, not LNG conversions,
our dollars would stay in state cleaning up our air, and
renewable natural gas from our landfills could be used
to power our Evergreen ferry fleet — all while keeping
energy costs low and creating new jobs here at home.
These solutions are practical, achievable, and based on
the energy realities of today while having a vision for the
energy needs of the future.
Washington state is leading. We can become the
innovation leader, not the taxation leader. We can keep
energy costs low, support new energy technologies and
protect our manufacturing job base.
or the renewable portfolio standard passed by Washington
voters in 2006. Instead of setting one-size-fits-all standards,
a price on carbon gives businesses more flexibility to meet
global emissions reduction needs. A carbon price accounts
for the market distortions created when society pays for the
external costs of carbon emissions — increased asthma rates,
water shortages, negative impacts on forestry and fishing, to
name just a few.
We do not have a choice as to whether or not we will
reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Here are the choices
we have: WHEN will we begin to reduce emissions? The
costs both of making a sudden transition to a new energy
mix and of global warming itself will get greater every year
we delay action. And HOW will we reduce emissions? With
a market-friendly carbon price? A suite of old-fashioned
industrial policies that pick winners and losers? Or, perhaps
if we wait too long, both?
As business leaders, you will be affected by whatever
choices we make — action or inaction, action now or action
later.
We will all be better off if you help us answer these
questions sooner than later.
18 association of washington business