Early next year three new hybrid buses will begin cruising the streets of Spokane County, belching fewer fumes and slurping less gas. In the grand scheme, the impact on climate change and energy costs will be negligible, but the Spokane Transit Authority is sending the right message. And it isn’t alone in hopping aboard the Green Express to set a good example.

In fact, state and local governments have long taken the lead on climate change and energy issues, while the feds have been mired in a political traffic jam. Congress has failed to pass a single bill in recent years that would meaningfully address either issue, though the current energy bills in the House and Senate would help the nation play catch-up.

Meanwhile, the state of Washington’s Climate Advisory Team recently released 47 recommendations for cutting greenhouse gases, including tolls for busy roads and better energy efficiency standards for buildings. Before that, the state adopted clean-car legislation that calls for manufacturers to produce more environmentally friendly vehicles, which has the pleasant side effect of also improving fuel mileage. State agencies have purchased more than 1,000 hybrid vehicles.

Among other actions, the governor has barred utilities from entering into long-term contracts with coal-fired power plants and most outdoor burning has been banned.

Closer to home, the city of Spokane has taken numerous energy-saving actions, including replacing the lights in traffic signals with LED bulbs. That alone has saved enough energy to power 142 homes for a year and triggered about $180,000 in conservation rebates from Avista. At Joe Albi Stadium, efficient compact fluorescent lighting has replaced the incandescent kind.

The city also has received a grant to retrofit 120 of its diesel vehicles with emissions control devices and has acquired six compressed natural gas vehicles and 10 others that use 85 percent ethanol blends.

The hope is that this flurry of activity will become contagious and more businesses and citizens will do their part. There are encouraging signs that “green architecture” is catching on, and that’s an area with surprisingly large benefits. Commercial and residential buildings account for close to 40 percent of total energy usage in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Several major builders locally have voluntarily agreed to comply with Northwest Energy Star standards, and the Spokane Homebuilders Association is working on a way to grade homes based on energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Avista and other utilities have helped by rewarding conservation measures. Plus, they are a great source for efficiency tips.

State and local governments are to be commended for taking a leadership role on these vital environmental and energy issues. We hope they keep rolling out the good ideas.