Inslee Suggests Statewide Cap to Climate Group

Gov. Jay Inslee says he supports a statewide cap on carbon-fuel emissions, one of several ideas he says can get the state closer to reaching goals set in 2008 to cut global warming pollution.

The ideas put forth by Inslee on Monday — including phasing out of coal-fired electricity supplies and more energy efficiency in existing buildings — were raised during a meeting of the Climate Legislative Executive Workgroup, The Olympian reported .

Republican members of the committee raised concerns about the impact on consumers and industries if the cost of fuels goes up in Washington as a result of the climate actions. Rep. Doug Ericksen suggested that nuclear power could have a role to play.

The work group now goes on the road to get public comment at hearings in Spokane and Seattle before issuing official recommendations in December for the Legislature to consider.