Former Congressman Jay Inslee

Jay Inslee

Washington Attorney General and candidate for Governor Rob McKenna

Rob McKenna

Environmental advocates, according to a story in The News Tribune, have praise for both candidates for Governor.

Jay Inslee, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, made reducing greenhouse-gas emissions his signature issue as a member of the U.S. Congress.  Inslee advocated an all-out effort in the style of the Apollo project that put a man on the moon.  He earned a reputation in Congress for making cleantech a signature issue.

Attorney General Rob McKenna, the Republican candidate, has also earned praise, but for different reasons.  He has been lauded for his legal work in support of regulations on greenhouse gases, which has distinguished him from the national Republican party platform that condemns some of the same regulations.

But the candidates differ in their ideas about ways to help encourage green energy producers.

Inslee pitches green energy as an investment in economic growth.  The industry is booming, he said, and “the question is, are these jobs going to be in China, Germany, Texas or in Washington?”

McKenna has been critical of targeted sector policy and Inslee’s plan to target specific industries.  McKenna believe that all sectors need help and a level playing field.  “I’m leery of tax policies that pick winners and losers in the economy,” McKenna has said.  “Government has a very poor track record at getting those decisions right.”

More on Jay Inslee’s Views:

More on Rob McKenna’s Views:

Upcoming Events