Washington

The Olympian: Olympia takes position against coal

The Olympia City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to pass a resolution opposing the construction of coal export facilities in the Northwest.

The resolution states the council’s opinion, but exerts no control over the shipment of coal through the city or the construction of coal terminals, which in this state are proposed for Longview and near Bellingham.

Read more here online at: The Olympian.com

Continue reading The Olympian: Olympia takes position against coal >> about The Olympian: Olympia takes position against coal

Inslee and Kitzhaber can lead a Columbia resolution – Editorials – The Olympian

For 12 years, Washington and Oregon have been on opposite sides of the Columbia Basin salmon deadlock. But Washington’s new governor, Jay Inslee, is the right leader at the right time to partner with Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber so the two states can lead the Northwest to shared and lasting solutions for salmon, energy and agriculture.

Continue reading Inslee and Kitzhaber can lead a Columbia resolution – Editorials – The Olympian >> about Inslee and Kitzhaber can lead a Columbia resolution – Editorials – The Olympian

The Spokesman-Review Guest Opinion: Clean energy incentives keep spurring growth

Seven years ago, Washington voters made the smart choice to invest in the state by supporting renewable energy. Washington voters passed Initiative 937, which created a clean energy standard. The law requires the state’s large electric utilities to incrementally increase their electricity from new renewable resources to 15 percent by 2020. This choice has paid off.

But, there are those in the Legislature who would dismiss this success by weakening the voter-backed initiative in a way that removes smart incentives for companies to invest in renewable energy…

Read the full opinion online at The Spokesman-Review

Continue reading The Spokesman-Review Guest Opinion: Clean energy incentives keep spurring growth >> about The Spokesman-Review Guest Opinion: Clean energy incentives keep spurring growth

Businesses urge Wash. Governor Inslee to extend renewable sales and use tax exemption

Thirteen renewable energy companies and advocacy groups issued a letter to Washington Governor Jay Inslee today urging support of Senate Bill 5896. If passed, the bill would extend the renewable sales and use tax exemption, which has provided a tangible incentive for clean energy businesses to locate their projects in the state. The policy will otherwise expire in June.

Continue reading Businesses urge Wash. Governor Inslee to extend renewable sales and use tax exemption >> about Businesses urge Wash. Governor Inslee to extend renewable sales and use tax exemption

High-benefit, low-cost efficiency bill dies in Washington state Senate

A commonsense, non-controversial bill that would have cut $60 million a year from Washingtonians’ utility bills died today in the Senate Energy, Environment and Telecommunications committee.

Committee chair Senator Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) opted against calling for a vote on Substitute House Bill 1017, Equipment Efficiency Standards, prior to the 10 a.m. cutoff. Failure to advance the bill is a great disservice to families and businesses throughout the state…

Continue reading High-benefit, low-cost efficiency bill dies in Washington state Senate >> about High-benefit, low-cost efficiency bill dies in Washington state Senate

Washington state media lends support to energy efficiency

Two major Washington media outlets have come out in support of energy efficiency and Senate/House Bill 1017. The measure sets efficiency standards for those ubiquitous battery chargers used by the growing number of electronic devices in our homes, as well as industrial and recreational chargers for forklifts and golf carts. The worst of these chargers waste up to 60 percent of the electricity they consume.

Continue reading Washington state media lends support to energy efficiency >> about Washington state media lends support to energy efficiency

Ron Simms on I-937: People power means clean power for the people of Washington state

Washington voters in 2006 approved the state’s clean-energy law, Initiative 937, setting new standards for energy efficiency and use of renewable energy. It was a vote for clean energy, new economic investment and a brighter future.

If you’re following the state legislative session, you might think voters were mistaken. Our legislators introduced more than 20 bills to amend or gut the law this year alone. But while some legislators seem to think I-937 is bad for Washington, I’m with the governor in recognizing that it’s good for the economy, good for consumers and good for the environment…

Continue reading Ron Simms on I-937: People power means clean power for the people of Washington state >> about Ron Simms on I-937: People power means clean power for the people of Washington state

Washington's SHB 1017 – Equipment Efficiency Standards

Good for the Consumer, Good for the Environment, Good for the Economy

Already, refrigerators, furnaces, exit signs, commercial hot-food holding cabinets and many more products are meeting federal or state efficiency standards. HB 1017 would add the next generation of low-cost, high benefit measures to Washington’s existing efficiency standards, saving energy, reducing water waste and saving millions of dollars on consumer utility bills..

Continue reading Washington's SHB 1017 – Equipment Efficiency Standards >> about Washington's SHB 1017 – Equipment Efficiency Standards

WA environmental community announces its 2013 legislative priorities

Clean energy, toxic-free couches and kids’ products, and more funding for projects that protect the environment will be on legislators’ agendas for the 2013 legislative session in Olympia as Washington State’s Environmental Priorities Coalition announced its 2013 Priorities. These three Priorities are critical in protecting the state’s quality of life, creating Washington grown jobs, and preserving a better future for our children.

Continue reading WA environmental community announces its 2013 legislative priorities >> about WA environmental community announces its 2013 legislative priorities

PSE, Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor reach clean energy benchmarks

Regional electricity providers from Puget Sound Energy to Grays Harbor County Public Utility District recorded impressive accomplishments over the first reporting period for Washington’s clean energy law, Initiative 937. “These utilities should be commended for their energy efficiency achievements, which will save money for their customers,” said Nancy Hirsh, policy director for the Coalition.

Continue reading PSE, Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor reach clean energy benchmarks >> about PSE, Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor reach clean energy benchmarks