Western states are weighing action to address greenhouse emissions and embrace clean energy – except Colorado. We’re not a silent partner, just silent.
On Thursday, a task force of the Western Governors’ Association released a report on its Clean and Diversified Energy Initiative. The group is examining whether and how to develop 30,000 megawatts of clean energy in the West by 2015. The push is led by Govs. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., Dave Freudenthal, D-Wyo., John Heaven, R-N.D., and Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif. Colorado should be active on the issue, but Gov. Bill Owens has been nowhere to be seen.
In 2002, California adopted a law to curb carbon, the key greenhouse gas emitted by coal-fired power plants and gas and diesel vehicles. Schwarzenegger has supported the plan since his 2003 election, a worthy effort to fill the void left by Bush administration inattention to global warming.
Federal law says California is the only state that can set its own air pollution rules, as it had controls long before enactment of any national statutes. Other states can follow either federal standards or California’s usually tougher rules. Oregon and Washington are joining California in curbing carbon emissions, but Colorado is not.
Northeastern states are also developing regional plans to reduce emissions.
Meanwhile, last month another Western governors’ unit met in Santa Fe to explore ways our region can address global warming, given the lack of federal action. The Western Regional Air Partnership was founded in the 1990s to deal with haze. But the pollution that causes haze in our parks and wilderness areas often comes from the same sources that spew greenhouse gases. California and New Mexico took the lead in this anti-smog discussion, with ideas and questions from Utah, other states and Indian tribes. People at the meeting said Colorado officials were present but content to stay on the sidelines.
Doug Benevento, Owens’ Cabinet member on environmental policy, cites scientific uncertainty as Colorado’s reason to be passive, but his information is dated: There’s strong consensus on climate change. He notes that Owens signed an energy efficiency order; it is a modest but welcome move.
Global warming, clean energy and related issues matter greatly to the West, where clear air and magnificent vistas define our region’s essence and are essential for economic growth. Colorado should pitch in to find solutions. Instead, we are left to wonder:
Where will Gov. Owens be? With our neighbors – or with Washington?
