The Association of Washington Business (AWB) joined rural legislators in asking Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) to veto a portion of the climate change bill which would lead to restrictions on how far trucks, tractors and cars can travel in future years. In our letter to the Governor, AWB indicated a section of the new law, which she signed earlier this week, paves the way for future legal battles over whether or not the state can tell local government to mandate the emission limits.
AWB believes a better approach to dealing with greenhouse gases is to focus on emission reductions rather than mandating how many miles people can drive. AWB, the state's chamber of commerce and manufacturing and technology association, wants the Governor and legislators to also plant burnt over forestlands and produce more energy from the state's hydro system and other renewable sources, such as wind power, to further reduce carbon dioxide levels.
"There are vast differences between small rural communities and downtown Seattle and the last thing we need is another court battle over the interpretation of yet another new law," AWB Vice President of Governmental Affairs Gary Chandler said. Chandler is a former Grant Co. commissioner and legislator from Moses Lake who also farms and runs a small rural business.
The legislation was sponsored by Reps. Geoff Simpson (D-Covington) and Hans Dunshee (D-Snohomish) in the House and Sen. Chris Marr (D-Spokane) in the Senate.
Rep. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake) and AWB asked the Governor to veto section two of the bill that requires the Dept. of Community, Trade and Economic Development to develop methods for counties and cities to reduce vehicle emissions. While she vetoed other potions of the legislation, she did not remove section two.
In the Governor's statement, she said: "In my view, this section of the bill does not create a new mandate for local governments, and does not provide grounds for new litigation under the growth management act....and appropriately recognizes the differences between our urban and rural settings."
In a story published in the April 3 issue of the Yakima Herald Republic, Warnick said the language in the legislation is unmistakable. "The Legislature finds that the state, including its counties, cities and residents, must engage in activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
Sorry, Governor, we agree with Rep. Warnick.
Don C. Brunell, President (DonB@awb.org).
