Cap and invest

As a young person in this state, I am extremely disappointed with the turn of events in the state Legislature regarding Gov. Gregoire’s cap-and-trade bill. As originally proposed, cap and invest would put Washington on the path to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create thousands of green-collar jobs and lead the country in clean-tech innovation.

Opponents have said that we can’t afford to pass such a bill in current economic times. I’d like to remind my legislators that President Obama is counting on us to be leaders. We can’t afford to wait. Now is the time.

Inaction on climate change is definitely the most costly option. In 2008 alone, our state spent $16.6 billion on fossil fuel imports. Why plan on continuing to do so when we have the ability to take those funds and put them back to work in Washington?

A green economy is the future. When I graduate from college, I hope Washington has a sustainable economy with a steady job market. In order to secure the future of our state, we must the pass the governor’s cap-and-invest bill.

Molly M. Andrews

Spokane