Global Warming is moving to the forefront of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s environmental agenda. His state energy plan released last month set a goal of cutting statewide emissions of greenhouse gases 30 percent from what they otherwise would be by 2025. And Kaine apparently doesn’t intend to let that recommendation collect dust.
At the statewide Energy and Sustainability Conference in Lexington yesterday, Kaine said he intends to appoint a climate change commission to examine the potential impacts of global warming on Virginia and recommend ways to deal with it. “While climate change should be addressed at the national level, I think most governors are just tired of waiting,” Kaine said. “We can’t wait for the federal government to do it.” (See the Times-Dispatch coverage here.)
One specific idea that Kaine floated was to require power companies and manufacturing plants to report greenhouse gas emissions. That made Brett Vassey, president of the Virginia Manufacturers Association, very nervous. Said Vassey: “Our major concern is, you don’t [require] the reporting of something unless you plan to regulate it.”
I understand Vassey’s concern. Politically, it would be a lot easier for Kaine to look like he was “doing something” by slapping limits on industrial emissions. But we’re all responsible collectively for CO2 emissions through the choices we make: how far we drive, what kind of vehicles we drive, how big our houses are, how we choose to heat and cool our houses, and how much we’re willing to spend for energy-saving appliances. Still, it’s better to have solid information than to base public policy on hunches and guesswork. If we’re going to move ahead with a serious Global Warming initiative, let’s have it based on the facts.