Report Says Climate Plan Would Help Economy SEATTLE (KPLU) - A plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions in seven Western states and four Canadian provinces would boost Washington's economy by billions over the next decade. That's among the findings of an economic analysis commissioned by the state Department of Ecology.

Under the plan developed by the Western Climate Initiative, by 2020, the region would cut greenhouse gases to 15 percent below 2005 levels. This would come from a cap and trade system for carbon emissions, efficiency standards for cars, and other policies to promote a shift to clean energy sources.

Janice Adair, with the Washington Department of Ecology, says that even though energy prices will rise, more efficient technologies will mean savings over the long term.

"You will save more money by buying that new refrigerator than the additional cost of that refrigerator cost you," she says. "The savings outweigh the costs."

The study estimates the state's economy would grow by $3.3 billion by 2020, adding more than 19,000 jobs.

The analysis was done by ECONorthwest, an economic consulting service based in Eugene, Oregon.

Last week, Republicans in the Washington Legislature called on the Department of Ecology to stop work on the regional climate plan, saying it would damage the state's already-weak economy.
© Copyright 2010, KPLU