Proposal invites disaster

When the worldwide scientific community is denouncing man-made global warming, why is Gov. Gregoire pushing cap-and-trade legislation to make Washington an “environmental leader”? By adopting Senate Bill 5735, we would not be a clean air leader but a follower of bad public policy.

After four years of job losses and business closures, Europe is abandoning cap and trade. California is now bankrupt, thanks to cap and trade. Arizona, Oregon, Utah and Montana won’t touch it. It is an economy killer.

What is cap and trade? The Department of Ecology sets a “cap” on carbon emissions from Washington businesses. Emit more carbon than the cap, get fined. DOE sets the amount – up to $10,000/day – and collects the money. To avoid fines, businesses must purchase carbon offsets (taxation). They close/lay people off. New businesses avoid Washington. The economy suffers while DOE becomes a regulatory giant.

Families will pay higher prices for utilities, gas, energy, food. The state collects more sales tax even as we eat less, drive less and sit in cold, dark houses.

Cap and trade is a proven financial disaster that will bring Washington to its knees, all in the name of unproven man-made climate change.

Kyp Shillam

Davenport, Wash.