Time for states to take the climate change wheel

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A year ago, it seemed like only a matter of time before Congress would pass legislation on climate change and adopt a nationwide cap-and-trade system to stop and reverse greenhouse gas pollution. Today, with the economy still sputtering and the debate about health care reform taking all the oxygen in the room, the prospects for federal action on climate change are dim, at best.

The reality is that while Congress remains mired and seemingly unable to break our dependence on fossil fuels, states are at the helm of innovation and action, steering our nation to a future where we prosper and avoid the worst consequences of climate change. Oregon, Washington, and many other states are setting the course for a clean energy/low-carbon economy that will create green jobs and address climate change at the same time.

Thanks to the leadership of states from coast to coast, we are seeing some slowing of emissions in some areas. According to the Oregon Global Warming Commission’s 2009 report to the legislature, Oregon will reach its goal to level off the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in 2010. For map of state actions, see http://www.pewclimate.org/states-regions.

Oregon has reason to be proud of its leadership on climate change. Gov. Ted Kulongoski and the Legislature led the way to establish several important building blocks for reducing carbon emissions. Oregon is committed to a requirement that 25 percent of our energy come from renewable sources by 2025; no more coal will be added to our grid; cleaner cars will run on lower carbon fuels; our buildings will meet higher standards for energy efficiency; new financing mechanisms will make it easier for small businesses and residents to invest in energy efficiency; and our metropolitan areas will commit to climate friendly communities in the future, planning for smart land use and transportation systems that minimize emissions.

The policy measures we’ve already undertaken have begun to chart the course for a green, low-carbon economy that creates jobs. Now, it is time for the states to accelerate towards a new economy.

Energy efficiency and conservation must be our first priority. We need to use energy more wisely first, as we scale up clean energy generation. Moving forward means investing in smart grid technologies and electric vehicle infrastructure, creating the systems for a transition to a new economy. Moving forward means putting more money into mass transit, rail, bicycle and pedestrian options to make our communities and our state climate friendly.

Moving forward also means getting serious about achieving the greenhouse gas reduction goals that the Oregon Legislature passed in 2007 – reducing Oregon’s emissions by 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. We must ensure that state agencies and industry alike take these goals seriously, and commit to a course of action that will bring us to the emission reduction goals that international scientists have urged our world to achieve, if we are to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change.

The engine driving low-carbon innovation would sputter to a stop, if it weren’t for state leadership. But Oregon can’t rest on its laurels. Oregon’s Legislature and our next Governor must step up to the wheel and steer Oregon’s economy to a sustainable, thriving low-carbon future.

Andrea Durbin is the executive director of the Oregon Environmental Council.