THE WILD GREEN WEST

There's HOPE in them thar hills -- and plains -- and plans...

Go Green? Go West; The energy and environment innovations west of the Rockies could change the nation’s mind about what’s possible
Ronald Brownstein, April 8, 2007 (LA Times)

WHO
Western states’ leaders, voters and investors: California centrist Repulican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Montana's Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer, Democratic New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman

WHAT
A “revolution” in attitudes about renewable and alternative energies, the most ambitious political measures in the country coming from both parties. "Renewable portfolio standards" requiring a fixed percentage of electricity from renewable power sources such as wind, solar and geothermal have been set in 6 of the 11 states and another will soon join. New Mexico, Washington, Oregon and Arizona will soon adopt huge reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles. California, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington and Oregon agreed on a cap-and-trade system for emissions which may be joined by Nevada, Idaho, Utah and British Columbia.

WHEN
Identifiably beginning last year with Schwartzenegger’s initiatives to incentivize solar installations and curb auto emissions. New Mexico and Colorado mandate 20% of power from renewable sources by 2020. California requires 20% by 2010.

WHERE
From the Rockies to the Pacific:

WHY
There is support from ideologically diverse local coalitions (new residents, environmentalists, tourism and farmers) representing the potential to create a clean-energy economic boom, though also having the potential to drive up electricity cost. An influx of new, politically aware residents and heightened concern about global warming from business and industry motivates leaders.

QUOTES
- Democratic New Mexico governor Bill Richardson: "It's a massive shift in not just policy but … voter attitudes…"
- Schweitzer: "We see it as an opportunity to build and construct new clean and green facilities…"
- University of Denver's Richard Lamm, former Colorado Democratic governor: "There is definitely a potential for a backlash…But history is on the side of these governors."