Giving climate-change legislation a bipartisan boost

THERE is a burgeoning clean-energy technology race occurring that will determine which nation's economy leads into the 21st century. The United States is well positioned to win the race and to dominate the next great industrial revolution in clean energy, but only if we act now.

No other nation on Earth can match America's resources: extraordinary research universities, deep pools of venture capital and unbridled entrepreneurial spirit. The United States can and should lead the world in developing new, clean technologies.

The space race of the 1960s led to the most rapid technological advances in history. We can do it again by investing in cutting-edge solar, thermal and photovoltaic technology, wind turbines, electric vehicles and other technologies; investments that in turn will spur innovation and the next round of technology advancement as we move to a noncarbon, renewable energy future

But other nations are trying to match us. Some estimate that China spends $12 million an hour on investments in clean-energy technologies. President Obama rightfully said that "the nation that leads the clean-energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation."

On Capitol Hill, there are some who get it and have provided leadership to create the public policy framework that will empower and drive the American economy into the future.

Among those who "get it" are Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. This bipartisan power duo has proposed an innovative approach to addressing carbon pollution. Their proposal, known in energy circles as "cap and refund" would set a cap on carbon and create a market that supports innovation, while returning the proceeds to consumers in the form of a basic refund.

Despite their best efforts, the Cantwell-Collins legislation has made little progress since it was first introduced in the Senate. However, momentum is building in the Senate around comprehensive energy and climate legislation thanks to their effort. The tri-partisan coalition of Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., Lindsey Graham, R-SC, and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., soon will propose a bill that builds directly off the critical foundation that Cantwell and Collins have laid.

The Senate trio's plan will include key elements of the Cantwell-Collins cap-and-refund plan, coupled with massive investments in wind, solar, biofuels and other made-in-America energy sources.

Their plan will also expand liquidity and the pool of carbon markets needed to spur investors to invest in clean energy technologies. An energy policy that enhances the ability of entrepreneurs, banks, investors and others to exchange carbon allocations in the marketplace will tap into private-sector dollars and breathe new life into our economy. These critical investments in new technology and research will put millions of hardworking Americans back to work.

Putting a price on carbon pollution is no small task in the current poisonous political environment of Washington, D.C. Cantwell and Collins have transcended the politics surrounding the issue to put forward a thoughtful, productive and bipartisan concept. With little time remaining this year for action on energy and global warming, it is critical that Cantwell continue to demonstrate her commitment to this issue by working to pass a bill, even if it doesn't carry her name.

In an environment where partisan gridlock has become all too common, it's encouraging to see senators from both parties open up a positive dialogue and contribute ideas and solutions for America's energy independence. Like the majority of the American public, a consensus is growing among lawmakers that our current path is unsustainable, and we must do more to make America energy independent.

Cantwell and Collins have done much to elevate the debate and chart a path forward to accomplish this goal. Their ideas have advanced the discussion to a point where we can reasonably expect passage of a comprehensive energy and climate policy this year. I hope that they continue to engage in this process and help push the Kerry-Graham-Lieberman proposal over the finish line.

Sam Garst is an Olympia businessman and director of the Thurston Climate Action Team. He was the top statewide signature gatherer in the successful Renewable Energy Initiative I-937 in 2006.

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