Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Senate decision to abandon comprehensive climate legislation

For Immediate Release: July 22, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the decision by Senators John Kerry and Harry Reid to introduce a scaled down version of legislation addressing climate change:

�I�m disappointed that the Senate didn�t gain the support needed to pass a comprehensive energy and climate bill. As our nation battles the worst financial times since the Great Depression, our federal leaders had a real opportunity to grasp the economic advantages that come with a clean energy economy. It�s discouraging that several Senate members � members who have said Congress needs to act in the face of actions by the Environmental Protection Agency and the states � were unwilling to give this legislation the bi-partisan support it needs and deserves.

�Despite the lack of federal action, Washington state will continue to move forward with policies aimed at reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions while growing much-needed jobs to aid in our economic recovery. Our state has proven that our businesses want to be part of this emerging green-energy economy. A recent study found nearly 100,000 green jobs existed in our state in 2009, a significant increase from the year before. At the same time, we�re showing that implementing energy efficiencies saves consumers and taxpayers valuable dollars.

�While Washington and many other states have taken the lead on addressing climate change, the states can�t go at it alone. We need the partnership of the federal government to ensure our states and nation remain competitive in the global economy. I urge our Congressional leaders to keep fighting for a comprehensive package.�