Eleven years ago, most of the civilized world joined in signing the Kyoto Protocol to curb "greenhouse gas" pollution suspected of spurring ominous global warming. So far, 173 countries have ratified it, incorporating it into their national laws.

But America is a glaring exception. The Bush administration, backed by Congress members from coal states, stymied U.S. participation in the worldwide crusade against air pollution. President Bush was scorned in Europe and elsewhere for snubbing this conscientious effort by the global community of nations.

To counteract Washington's foot-dragging, Seattle's mayor proposed that U.S. cities individually embrace the Kyoto plan, in defiance of national leaders. The effort caught fire. The Mayors Climate Protection Agreement was drafted, and city councils began voting to adopt Kyoto at the local level. At latest count, more than 800 cities have signed the pledge.

Five West Virginia municipalities - Morgantown, Shepherdstown, Oak Hill, Fayetteville and Hurricane - have endorsed Kyoto so far.  We hope that Charleston and all other cities follow suit.

The national mayors movement warns that stratospheric pollution from fossil fuels presumably is trapping heat on Earth's surface, causing global temperatures to rise. If polar icecaps melt, sea levels will rise, flooding coastal regions of all continents, forcing millions to abandon coastal cities. Tropical diseases will spread northward, and many other costly perils will worsen.

By joining the Kyoto drive, communities pledge to reduce fuel burning and take other "green" action. The national mayors operation says the cities make these three promises:

"Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns.

"Urge their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol - 7 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2012.

"Urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system."

At Hurricane, Mayor Scott Edwards and City Manager Ben Newhouse championed the Kyoto bandwagon. They noted that a state audit found that Hurricane could save $7,300 a year in power bills by switching to low-use light bulbs and ballasts - and a state grant will help pay for the conversion.

Putnam reporter Alison Knezevich said Hurricane also will consider: better insulation in city buildings, synthetic oil in city vehicles, timed light switches in city offices, carpooling by city inspectors on jobs, and urging residents to install rain barrels for lawn-watering.

All this is sensible, practical conservation of resources and taxpayer money - while helping reduce pollution damage to the world.

All remaining West Virginia cities should participate in this worthy crusade.

But America is a glaring exception. The Bush administration, backed by Congress members from coal states, stymied U.S. participation in the worldwide crusade against air pollution. President Bush was scorned in Europe and elsewhere for snubbing this conscientious effort by the global community of nations.

To counteract Washington's foot-dragging, Seattle's mayor proposed that U.S. cities individually embrace the Kyoto plan, in defiance of national leaders. The effort caught fire. The Mayors Climate Protection Agreement was drafted, and city councils began voting to adopt Kyoto at the local level. At latest count, more than 800 cities have signed the pledge.

Five West Virginia municipalities - Morgantown, Shepherdstown, Oak Hill, Fayetteville and Hurricane - have endorsed Kyoto so far.  We hope that Charleston and all other cities follow suit.

The national mayors movement warns that stratospheric pollution from fossil fuels presumably is trapping heat on Earth's surface, causing global temperatures to rise. If polar icecaps melt, sea levels will rise, flooding coastal regions of all continents, forcing millions to abandon coastal cities. Tropical diseases will spread northward, and many other costly perils will worsen.

By joining the Kyoto drive, communities pledge to reduce fuel burning and take other "green" action. The national mayors operation says the cities make these three promises:

"Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns.

"Urge their state governments, and the federal government, to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol - 7 percent reduction from 1990 levels by 2012.

"Urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system."

At Hurricane, Mayor Scott Edwards and City Manager Ben Newhouse championed the Kyoto bandwagon. They noted that a state audit found that Hurricane could save $7,300 a year in power bills by switching to low-use light bulbs and ballasts - and a state grant will help pay for the conversion.

Putnam reporter Alison Knezevich said Hurricane also will consider: better insulation in city buildings, synthetic oil in city vehicles, timed light switches in city offices, carpooling by city inspectors on jobs, and urging residents to install rain barrels for lawn-watering.

All this is sensible, practical conservation of resources and taxpayer money - while helping reduce pollution damage to the world.

All remaining West Virginia cities should participate in this worthy crusade.