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Senator Kelly: Idaho must do more to combat climate change

(Idaho Statesman)

The scientific evidence is compelling — global climate change poses a serious threat to Idaho's public health, natural resources and environment. It threatens some of our most vital industries including tourism, agriculture, recreation and forestry.

Addressing climate change requires interstate and international cooperation. At this point, Idaho is not a team player. For example:

• Six Western states and two Canadian provinces have established the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative, agreeing to collaborate in identifying, evaluating and implementing ways to reduce greenhouse emissions. Idaho is not a participant.

• At least 31 states (including Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Washington and Oregon) have joined the Climate Registry, agreeing to adopt common measurement standards and reporting systems for greenhouse gas emissions. Idaho is not a member.

Climate change is inextricably linked to our energy needs, being caused (at least in part) by human activity and most significantly, the burning of fossil fuels.

According to the Idaho Energy Plan, in 2005, 42 percent of Idaho's power came from coal-fired plants in neighboring states. Taking into account transportation, approximately 80 percent of Idaho's total end use energy is derived from fossil fuels. We need to identify and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. So far, at the state level, we have done very little to make this happen. For example:

• According to the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, 42 states have completed greenhouse gas emission inventories. Idaho only recently started developing an inventory.

• More than 30 states have developed climate action plans. Idaho has not.

• The Clean Cars Campaign reports that 12 states have set tough vehicle emission standards, and several others are considering such a move. Idaho continues to follow the weaker federal standard.

• According to the U.S. Green Building Council, 22 states have taken action to encourage energy-efficient standards in construction of public buildings. House Bill 169, submitted to the 2007 Idaho Legislature, would have required builders using state funds to consider high efficiency standards. The bill was held in committee in the House.

• The Coalition for Public Transportation found that Idaho is one of only 11 states not providing funding for transit operations.

Several of Idaho's local officials have recognized the importance of climate change to our state. By signing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, six Idaho mayors (Bellevue, Boise, Hailey, Pocatello, Sandpoint and Sun Valley) have agreed to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And a number of our local governments have adopted or are considering green building standards for their public buildings.

Idaho took a small step in the right direction with the governor's recent executive order acknowledging concerns about greenhouse gases and directing DEQ to lead as yet undefined state efforts to reduce emissions. I look forward to working with Gov. Butch Otter and my fellow legislators to advance more substantial measures to address this significant issue.

With some forward thinking, we have an opportunity to escape our heavy reliance on fossil fuels — and the corresponding production of greenhouse emissions. We can conserve energy instead of being forced to find new sources at great economic and environmental cost. We can participate in emerging energy markets (for which Idaho is ideally suited) such as bio-fuels, carbon trading, and wind, solar, nuclear and geothermal power. We can improve our air quality and protect the health of our citizens.

During the last legislative session, House Concurrent Resolution 14 would have recognized and encouraged reduction of Idaho's greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution was held in committee in the House.

If we don't change our way of thinking, we will continue to be part of the problem. Idaho has a responsibility to be a part of the solution.

Kate Kelly is minority caucus chair in the Idaho State Senate representing District 18 in South Boise and a member of the legislative Interim Committee on Energy, Environment and Technology. She is a former administrator of the Air Quality Division of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and a former deputy attorney general with the Idaho Attorney General's Office Natural Resource Division.