In this Emerging Issues Commentary, Michael Lufkin of the Marten Law Group discusses a report issued by the Washington Climate Advisory Team that contains policy recommendations and strategies for addressing climate change in Washington State.  Of the 12 recommendations, five are considered broad enabling strategies that focus on transforming the state to a low-carbon economy by integrating the cost of carbon into business and consumer decisions, and seven outline specific actions in the energy, transportation, building, forestry and agricultural sectors of the economy that could be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Lufkin also examines economic and political challenges for implementing the report’s recommendations, and suggests that going forward businesses impacted by the recommended policies should consider participating in stakeholder meetings and the legislative and regulatory processes.

“The Report’s recommendations are described as a roadmap for achieving the aggressive GHG emission reductions that Washington has set for itself,” Mr. Lufkin writes.  “Following the map and arriving at the final destination, however, will not be easy, either politically or economically.

“The strategies proposed . . . if fully implement, would fundamentally alter significant elements of the state economy and the lives of Washington’s citizens, especially in the areas of transportation and land use,” he says.  “Whether state leaders can generate the political will and make the necessary investments -- especially in recessionary times -- is the tough part.”

Subscribers to www.Lexis.com may read much more about the policy recommendations and their implications by purchasing Mr. Lufkin’s entire expert commentary at  Marten Law Group: Washington State Advisory Group Issues Blueprint to Reduce GHG Emissions.