Ruling ‘crucial’ to Washington

Washington state Attorney General Rob McKenna said Monday’s Supreme Court ruling was a “crucial decision” for the state.

Washington joined the case because it deals with the state’s worries about carbon dioxide from cars, he said. “The effects of greenhouse gas emissions do not stop at the state line, and despite Washington’s leadership on this issue, federal enforcement is critical.”

Washington was one of 12 states, led by Massachusetts, which filed the case four years ago. The case challenged the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s refusal to initiate rule-making under the federal Clean Air Act in order to limit vehicle emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

Gov. Chris Gregoire in February issued an executive order setting a series of goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Washington. It sets benchmarks for lower emission reductions and imported fuel, as well as more “clean energy sector” jobs. The state is also:

•Requiring strict auto emission standards on new cars, starting with 2009.

•Retrofitting half of diesel school buses and one-fifth of local government diesel vehicles to cut pollution.

•Requiring fuel suppliers to sell at least 2 percent ethanol or biodiesel.

•Buying more hybrid and low-emissions vehicles for state motor pools.

•Using tax breaks and grants to aid alternative fuels.

•Boosting energy-efficient construction for state buildings.

“The criticism has been ‘How can one state make a difference?” Gregoire said Monday in a meeting with state Capitol reporters. “And while I think that’s true, you can’t sit and do nothing. You have to exercise some leadership.”

Richard Roesler