Governor's Association Focuses on Smart Energy

In hopes of inciting federal action on global warming policy, Governors are wanting to increase state regulation of greenhouse gases, said the chairman for the National Governors Association (NGA) on Wednesday.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn., said getting more states to limit greenhouse gases is a priority for the NGA. Others include energy conservation and increasing use of renewable fuels like ethanol.

Pawlenty believes the federal government isn't moving as quickly as many would like on these issues. And if enough states act to taper greenhouse gases, "it becomes a de facto national policy," he said.

Twelve states have enacted plans to require carbon dioxide emission reductions from cars and trucks. Three other states are considering similar moves. Auto companies are concerned they may not be able to meet such requirements.

On Wednesday, a federal Judge in Vermont ruled that states have the right to regulate emissions from vehicles and rejected arguments that only the federal government can do so.

Summer writes on the blog Alternative Energy in the 21 Century, that alternative energy seems to be on the front burner now, but may be so for the wrong reason:

Alternative energy is hot right now. Governors are touring ethanol plants to appear to be sensitive to issues rather than really being sensitive to getting enough good press so that the next election is easier.

The NGA announced a task force, headed by eight governors, to advance, at the state level, the development of clean energy and potentially "alter the landscape of clean energy policy in the United States." To support the effort, the Energy Department will be providing the association with $610,000.

-Dippold

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