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Title:	Arizona Gets Aggressive On Climate Change
Author:	Environmental News Service
Source:	Sustainable Arizona
Date:	September 26, 2006

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Arizona Gets Aggressive On Climate Change

Governor Signs Executive Order
Arizona has joined a growing list of states no longer willing to wait for the federal government to act aggressively on climate change.  An executive order signed Friday by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano calls on the state to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to 2000 levels by 2020 and 50 percent below that level by 2040.

Napolitano's order also creates a new panel to develop a strategy for Arizona to achieve its climate goals and to implement recommendations of the state's climate action plan.

The plan is the product of a climate action advisory group, which Napolitano, a Democrat, established last year.  The advisory group, which included industry representatives, environmentalists, farmers and academics, issued a report last month with 49 recommendations for addressing and reducing the state's greenhouse gas emissions. 

The recommendations include incentives for consumers to purchase environmentally-friendly appliances and cars, as well as state efforts to boost energy efficiency through better building codes and new energy pricing strategies. The advisory group's report also suggests the state increase its investment in renewable energy and direct state agencies to purchase low emission vehicles.

"Implementing these recommendations should cut our demand for energy by increasing energy efficiency, and improve air quality, all the while saving Arizonans money through reduced fuel costs and lower electricity bills," Napolitano said. "Developing Arizona's renewable energy sources, such as solar, biomass, biofuels, wind and geothermal will help us reach those goals, and at the same time, create jobs. It's a win-win for all of us."

Arizona's hot, dry climate could be particularly vulnerable to global warming.  The advisory group estimates implementing the recommendations will save the state some $5.5 billion by 2020.

States Must Act
The order makes Arizona the 12th state to announce a greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Last month California became the first state to formally adopt a cap on greenhouse gas emissions and to require a 25 percent cut in emissions by 2020.  In her statement announcing the plan, Napolitano noted that states are taking action on climate change issues because "of a lack of action from the federal government."
 
The advisory group noted that Arizona's climate is in particular vulnerable to warming and said the state is "already experiencing the effects of a hotter, drier climate." It cites concern the state's water supply from prolonged drought, as well as increased risks from wildfires and air pollution. 

Arizona's greenhouse gas emissions have risen at three times the national average in the past decade - largely driven by the state's significant growth in population.

The state's population topped 6 million this year and all signs point a continued influx of people to the southwestern state. Arizona's population has grown by nearly 16 percent since 2000 and grew 3.5 percent last year, second fastest in the nation -and is projected to grow by another 5.6 million by 2030.  More people equal more cars, more energy and more emissions.

Electric Use & Transportation Targeted
Arizona's greenhouse gas emissions rose 56 percent between 1990 and 2005 and, absent action, are projected to rise 148 percent between 1990 and 2020. Some 80 percent of the state's emissions are related to electricity and transportation.  Implementing the recommendations outlined in the plan will require the consent of the state legislature, which has been largely opposed to action on the issue. A similar effort in the late 1990s by Napolitano's predecessor failed to gain traction with state lawmakers.

The plan highlights the transportation sector as a major sector where emissions can be reduced, and it calls on the state to adopt California's Clean Car program. Arizona would be the 12th state to join the program, which requires a 30 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions from new cards by 2011.

California's program is currently on hold because of state and federal legal challenges by the auto industry. The order also directs state agencies to purchase low-emission vehicles and calls on the state to adopt California's strict auto emissions standards.

Last month Arizona filed a friend of the court brief supporting environmentalists and states challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision not to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from automobile exhaust.
 
"The EPA's interpretation of the Clean Air Act is wrong," said Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard. "The agency's decision interferes with state efforts to protect citizens from the long-range impact of climate change, including the potential for prolonged drought, severe forest fires, warmer temperatures, increased snowmelt, reduced snow pack and other effects."


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