Where the Action Is on Climate

Even as many members of Congress resist as too hard or too costly the steps necessary to address global warming, American cities and states — the largest of which have carbon footprints bigger than those of most nations — have quietly been making serious commitments to curb emissions. Instead of finding reasons to do nothing, Congress should build on these actions to fashion a national response to climate change.

According to a recent study by Environment America, an advocacy group, about half of the states have broad plans and specific regulations aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. When fully realized, these actions would cut emissions by over 7 percent between now and 2020 — a sizable distance toward the 17 percent reductions President Obama promised at Copenhagen.

About half the reductions would come from proposed emission limits in six big states, plus a regional cap on power plant emissions adopted by New York and nine other Northeastern states. The other half would result from legally required increases in the use of alternative energy sources like wind — 29 states have approved such mandates — as well as stronger state and city efficiency standards for appliances, lighting and buildings.

California’s goal of cutting greenhouse gases by one-quarter by 2020 is plausible partly because the state has been so successful in improving the efficiency of its power plants and buildings, promoting renewable energy and insisting on fuel-efficient vehicles. The state recently approved strict new energy-efficiency requirements for television sets, which now account for 10 percent of the average household’s energy use but are largely unregulated. The rules will save consumers $1 billion in energy bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by three million tons each year. Though that is just under 1 percent of current emissions, it is small steps like these that will take California to its overall goal.

In another positive move, New York City has adopted a new law requiring periodic “energy audits” on 22,000 large commercial and residential buildings that account for half of the city’s carbon dioxide emissions.

Owners will not be required to make renovations under the law, although this idea should be revisited if the economy improves. The expectation is that the prospect of saving energy costs over the long term will lead to major investments in more efficient heating and cooling systems. The law is a critical component of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s goal of reducing New York City’s carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

A national policy endorsed by Congress that puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions is urgently needed. These states and cities shed a hopeful light on what this nation and others can and must achieve.