In February, The Columbian wrote in support of higher energy-efficiency standards in buildings: “But the urgency of climate change demands action, not more rounds of claiming ‘now just isn’t a good time’ ” (“In Our View: New homebuilding standards necessary hurdle,” The Columbian, Feb. 1). In March the Editorial Board wrote, “Climate change caused, in part, by carbon emissions is a pressing issue that requires action on all fronts” (“In Our View: Port should lead way in fighting climate change,” March 23).
Now the board has changed horses in midstream, admitting that our city council has a “valid argument” in asking for the public benefit of higher efficiency standards as part of the proposed Renaissance Boardwalk Development Agreement, but charge them with “changing the rules in the middle of the game.”
There is no stronger public benefit than taking action now to couple the substantial benefits Kirkland seeks with the public co-benefit of an ambitious energy conservation expectation for this signature project.
Catastrophic climate change is what is “changing the rules of the game” when it comes to the urgent need to reduce emissions as much as possible now, not later, and our elected representatives have the right to act accordingly with that urgency firmly in mind.
