The title of the article is: Washington State’s Green Policies Impact Energy Costs and Economy, New Study Reveals
SEATTLE, Nov. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A recent study conducted by economist Jonathan Lesser from the Discovery Institute’s Center on Wealth and Poverty has shed light on the consequences of Washington State’s green policies. According to the study, these policies are driving up energy costs, hampering the state’s economy, and failing to make a measurable impact on global climate change.
The report highlights that Washington and Oregon have followed in California’s footsteps by implementing policies aimed at eliminating the majority of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. These policies include mandates for 100% zero-emissions electric generation, bans on the sale of internal combustion vehicles, and restrictions on fossil fuel usage in construction.
The complete report, titled All Pain, No Gain: The Economic and Social Consequences of Green Energy Policies in the Pacific Northwest, is available on the Reasonable Energy website of the Discovery Institute.
In 1990, the state’s energy-related carbon-equivalent emissions stood at approximately 96 million metric tons, according to the Department of Ecology. In contrast, the Energy Institute’s recent Statistical Review of World Energy reported a record-high of 34.4 billion metric tons of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2022, an increase of over 300 million metric tons from the previous year.
Jonathan Lesser argues that the Clean Air Act (CCA) implemented in Washington will have an insignificant impact on global climate change. He emphasizes that a 95% reduction in the state’s greenhouse gas emissions would account for less than a day’s worth of carbon emissions worldwide. Meanwhile, these policies are already having detrimental effects on the regional economy, as energy prices rise, businesses face penalties, and more residents struggle with energy poverty.
The report concludes that a more pragmatic approach should focus on market-based strategies that eliminate burdensome mandates and subsidies while prioritizing the provision of affordable and reliable energy supplies, particularly through emissions-free nuclear power.
Jonathan Lesser, the author of the report, holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Washington and a B.S. in Mathematics and Economics from the University of New Mexico. He currently serves as president of Continental Economics and is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute.
The Discovery Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to education and research, is committed to promoting purpose, creativity, and innovation. With its Reasonable Energy initiative, the Institute aims to advocate for abundant, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy for the benefit of all.
It is evident that Washington State’s green policies are having a significant impact on energy costs and the economy, as highlighted by the recent study conducted by the Discovery Institute. As the debate surrounding sustainable energy continues, the need for a balanced approach that considers both economic and environmental factors becomes increasingly important.
