The Blog

Governor Chris Gregoire

05/04/09

Clean energy is good business. That’s why I convened 700 energy industry leaders at the Washington State Energy Summit: Leadership for a Clean and Efficient Energy Future.

As Washington will receive more than $2 billion for energy-related projects from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, we discussed how a transition in Washington to a clean-energy economy will lead to robust economic development.

We need to use these funds in ways that will maximize the benefit for our state now, and create sustainable growth opportunities for the future. We reviewed proposals for Smart grid technology, renewable energy and storage, energy efficiency products, service and financing models, and worker training.

Washington can and must lead the way to a green economy. The state’s natural resources — including wind, solar energy, waves and tides — provide abundant sources for renewable energy production. We’ve already created more than 47,000 green jobs, and we’ve saved billions of dollars in electricity costs over the past three decades by investments in energy efficiency.

We need to build on this momentum. That’s why I signed Senate Bill 5921, which establishes the Clean Energy Leadership Council to bring together our state’s private and public experts in clean energy and economic development to develop a clean energy strategy. Together, we can further strengthen Washington’s position as a green economy hub and create high-quality jobs.