Kaine favors stronger efforts to address climate change

RICHMOND

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Thursday told his Commission on Climate Change that he welcomes its recommendation for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions that are deeper than what he originally proposed as part of Virginia's plans to combat global warming.

Speaking to the 30-member commission as it debated the details of its final report, due next week, Kaine said he intends to carry out as many of the panel's recommendations "as we reasonably can."

The governor did not offer a specific agenda but said he would adopt measures against global warming through the state budget process, in legislation to be introduced next year, and through executive orders.

Kaine, a Democrat entering his final year in office, said 2009 will see a focus on energy and environmental issues through various initiatives that he collectively called "Renew Virginia."

Despite a $2.5 billion deficit that could go higher, the governor said he intends to increase funding for environmental programs next year. He expressed hope that the administration of President-elect Barack Obama, as part of national stimulus package, will provide federal money for infrastructure projects in Virginia such as new rail lines and more public transit.

In addition to creating jobs and minimizing traffic congestion, Kaine said, the projects also would reduce air pollution and emissions of carbon dioxide that contribute to global warming.

The Governor's Commission on Climate Change, after meeting for nearly a year, is recommending that Virginia cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.

When Kaine formed the panel last year, he asked members to find ways to reduce those emissions by 30 percent by 2025.

"Going further makes a lot of sense," Kaine said Thursday.

Environmental groups praised the commission's bolder recommendation for emission cuts but took umbrage that it did not endorse mandatory requirements that utilities produce electricity with a certain percentage of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and geothermal.

The commission, instead, is suggesting the state offer incentives for utilities to generate 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025. It would be a voluntary target, without penalties for missing the mark.

"Unfortunately, in the absence of a mandatory standard for renewable energy production, it will remain difficult for Virginia to reach the greenhouse gas emission reductions the commission recognizes are needed," said J.R. Tolbert, field organizer for Environment Virginia, an advocacy group.

Among its more than 100 recommendations, the commission also is urging the state to mandate energy efficiencies and conservation so Virginians use 19 percent less electricity in 2025, compared with 2006.

The panel - consisting of scientists, government officials, politicians, engineers, industry executives, utility leaders and environmentalists - expresses support for developing more nuclear power in Virginia.

It also embraces greener building codes in all counties, cities and towns, and suggests that, in phases, all new commercial offices be required to be constructed with green architecture and energy savings.

Kaine has been criticized by environmental groups for backing a large, new coal-fired power plant in Southwest Virginia - a project sponsored by Dominion Virginia Power and expected to emit tons of carbon emissions.

He faced more questions about the plant Thursday.

"Coal is going to be part of the equation," Kaine told reporters. His approach, he said, is to invest in clean-coal technology and shut down older, dirtier coal-fired plants.

With the Wise County plant in Southwest Virginia, Dominion is proposing strict limits on mercury and other pollutants and has agreed to switch an older plant in the mountainous region to natural gas, Kaine said.

The climate commission had tried to pass a policy statement that no new coal-fired power plants should be built in Virginia until technology exists to capture carbon emissions. That technology, called carbon sequestration, is at least 12 years away.

The policy was defeated by one vote.

Scott Harper, (757) 446-2340, scott.harper@pilotonline.com