Consider climate bill despite costs

Most of us like the idea of being green no matter where we stand on the global warming debate. More of us carry reusable grocery bags, drive hybrid cars, recycle our trash.

But in these days when dollars and jobs are scarce, few among us want those efforts to cost more. And most businesses cringe at the thought of increased costs for anything, even if it is meant to improve the climate.

That said, we hope our Congressional lawmakers take a close look at the pending American Clean Energy and Security Act, known as the Waxman-Markey bill, now before the U.S. House of Representatives and likely soon before the Senate.

You've probably heard the term cap-and-trade lately. What it means is the government wants to cap - or limit - pollution from fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas. You and your employer will get "credits" permitting a certain amount of greenhouse gas emissions. If you go over, you can "trade" or buy additional permits. The idea, of course, is we'll avoid polluting, use better energy sources, be better stewards to avoid the higher cost. And that we'll be increasingly encouraged to offset any additional burden on the environment by doing something green such as planting more trees.

Opponents worry those cap-and-trade costs will further burden businesses and homeowners already struggling in a grim economy.

Supporters say we need to take these steps to make sure that Aunt Sally and newborn Johnny have a safe, healthy world to live in. Better still, they say the bill creates millions of "green" jobs with clean energy and energy efficient companies.

The bill also will make it more and more costly to use "dirty" energy such as what comes from coal, which accounts for about half of the electricity used in the United States. Opponents worry that means costs will rise. Supporters admit that's the case. But they say we'll use less energy, meaning the bottom line will be lower. They also note that the bill includes a number of cost containment measures to limit the impact.

Few of us want to be hot in the summer or cold in the winter. And most of us want to be able to get where we need to go when we want. But our energy use keeps increasing and the impact of dirty fuel continually harms the environment.

Environmental experts increasingly warn that the droughts, heat waves, even more intense storms of recent years are warning signs we can't ignore. We'd agree.

The extensive Waxman-Markey bill deserves a close look from our federal lawmakers. Modifications may be needed but it's a strong start toward ensuring our energy needs will be met in the future. Taking this action to improve our environment will cost, no question. But inaction will undoubtedly cost far more.