Take lead on climate change

A recent report from the Climate Leadership Initiative at the University of Oregon emphasizes the need for the Washington state Legislature to pass Gov. Gregoire’s cap-and-invest bill, citing the economic costs for Washington state of a “business-as-usual approach to climate change.” The report states that households will see annual costs rise $1,250 by 2020, $1,800 in 2040 and $2,750 in 2080, primarily in the form of energy inefficiencies and rising health care costs associated with climate change. Businesses will suffer as income is diverted to these unproductive costs, not to mention lower worker productivity and lost investment opportunities in the rapidly expanding green economy.

Further, by passing this legislation in Washington in 2009 (“Lawmakers whittle down cap-trade plan,” Feb. 19), we will earn a seat at the table in the formation of national policy and reap the benefits of massive local investments that will position us as leaders in this new economy for years to come. Businesses that remain stubborn on this issue are taking a shortsighted approach and discounting the power of creative minds to innovate. Inaction on climate change is a nonstrategy that stifles potential investment in Washington and burdens future generations with inexcusable costs.

Ron Reed

Spokane