N.Y. Times Urges National Policy Moves on Climate Change Legislation

The New York Times, in an editorial, said that cities and states have been quietly making more serious commitments to curb emissions that could be associated with climate change than the federal government. Wrote the Times: "Instead of finding reasons to do nothing, Congress should build on these actions to fashion a national response to climate change."

California earned special praise in the editorial, with the Times noting that it has been successful in part because of the focus on the efficiency of power plants and buildings, promoting renewables and insisting on fuel-efficient vehicles. The gamut of new California regulations were said to be able to save consumers $1 billion in energy bills and cut CO2 emissions by 3 million tons annually. New York City also earned praise for some of the efforts initiated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Wrote the Times: "A national policy endorsed by Congress that puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions is urgently needed. These states and cities shed a hopeful light on what this nation and others can and must achieve."