Some reaction to Gregoire’s executive order on greenhouse gas emissions

The Association of Washington Business sent out some reaction to Gov. Chris Gregoire’s testimony before the Environmental Protection Agency this morning. Their take?

“AWB has long advocated that a federal approach to climate change policy is much preferred over a state-by-state patchwork of conflicting policies that puts Washington state businesses at a competitive disadvantage with other states,” said Grant Nelson, AWB governmental affairs director on climate change issues. “The proposed changes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions would create higher operational costs for industries, higher costs for goods and services for consumers and threatens the availability of good family-wage jobs.

“While AWB prefers a federal approach, we believe that Congress, not EPA should enact a national approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Congress is better positioned than EPA in representing the interests of citizens nationwide, guarding against further harm to our already fragile economy and job loss,” he said.

And Rep. Shelly Short sent out a response to Gregoire’s executive order to reduce greenhouse gases:

“I would have preferred her to allow the legislative process take its course so that an agreement could be reached within the structure of the Legislature. Regardless, I, and my House Republican colleagues, will continue to work with her to ensure that climate change policies take into account our families, our jobs and our state’s economy.”

Tags: climate change, reaction