West Coast governors unite on global warming strategy

LOS ANGELES—Gov. Gary Locke this week joined Gov. Gray Davis of California to take on climate change issues that will adversely affect he economy, environment and health of West Coast states. The regional strategy was developed by Govs. Locke, Davis and Ted Kulongoski of Oregon.

"Our current federal policies will not lead to a reduction in emissions of the greenhouse gasses associated with climate change," Locke said. "The governors of the West Coast states have concluded that in the absence of meaningful federal action, we must act individually and regionally to address the sources of global warming." The list of recommended measures includes:

• Using the states' combined purchasing power to obtain fuel-efficient vehicles and tires for motor pool fleets.
• Lowering emissions from diesel fuel in transportation by reducing diesel generator use by ships in West Coast ports and creating an emission-free truck stop system along the Interstate 5 corridor from Mexico to Canada.
• Removing barriers to and encourage the development of renewable electricity generation resources and technologies.
• Developing uniform efficiency standards that can potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, states would work together to upgrade appliance efficiency standards and seek waivers of federal limitations.

Washington, Oregon and California have already taken significant steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions through carbon standards for new power plants, promotion of renewable energy, and improved building codes and energy efficiency. However the governors agree that multi-state cooperation will help further progress on this issue.

Climate change is not entirely predictable but the effects are already evident in the form of higher temperatures, reduced snow pack, insect infestation and increased fire danger in state forests, and rising sea levels on the ocean shores. The governors fear that impacts will grow significantly and impact the states' economies in coming years if nothing is done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

All three governors' offices will work together to develop joint policy recommendations focused on solutions that require regional cooperation and action. These recommendations are to be presented to the governors no later than Sept. 1, 2004.

Locke has put Washington state at the forefront of the global warming issue. He is directing the Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to establish new CO2 mitigation requirements on all new power plants producing more than 350 megawatts (MW) and instructing the state's Department of Ecology, which has jurisdiction for regulating power plants less than 350 MW, to begin a similar rulemaking process this fall.

Locke has also successfully pushed to update state energy codes for new construction and continues to support state-funded weatherization assistance to promote energy-efficient homes. He also sponsored and signed legislation that provides incentives to companies developing alternative energies and created a pilot program that uses biodiesel as a substitute for fossil fuels in school buses.

The West Coast governors have invited other states, Canadian provinces and Mexican states to join them in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and responding to climate change impacts in the region.

Office of the Governor release, September 22

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