Gov. Christine Gregoire: Alternative energy key to independence

For Immediate Release: October 18, 2005

BOZEMAN, MT � Oct. 18, 2005 � Alternative energy is the key to relieving ourselves from an overdependence on oil, Gov. Christine Gregoire said during a multi-state conference on energy at Montana State University today.

Gov. Gregoire made her remarks during a panel discussion at Montana Governor�s Energy Summit and Conference, hosted by Gov. Brian Schweitzer of Montana and joined by Gov. Ted Kulongoski of Oregon, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. of Utah, and Gov. Dave Freudenthal of Wyoming. The conference designed to bring governors together in regional cooperation on energy issues.

�Rising fuel prices and an overdependence on oil hurt our citizens every day,� Gov. Gregoire said. �We must diversify our energy supplies and stop relying so heavily on oil. Farmers in Washington are paying more for a gallon of diesel than they get for a bushel of wheat, and many businesses are threatened without our region�s longstanding competitive advantage of low energy costs.�

Gov. Gregoire added, �Because of our vibrant agricultural, entrepreneurial and research bases, Washington State is uniquely positioned to lead in bio-fuels. They are already on the market in Washington and offer the hope of a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy future.�

The governor said she also supports clean energy technology like wind and solar, both job providers. She recently signed a permit authorizing the construction of a new wind power farm in Central Washington with 127 wind turbine generators producing more than 229 megawatts of electricity, enough electricity to power as many as 73,000 homes. The farm will provide 250 construction jobs, a score of permanent jobs, and tax revenues for the county, schools and the local fire district, all with zero emissions.

Last legislative session, the governor signed two pieces of legislation to spur innovation and growth of solar energy in the state. One bill is designed to attract power suppliers and the other to encourage use by consumers. �We�re building the solar industry in Washington, all the way from growing the silicon to installing the panels,� she said. �This brings good family wage jobs to Eastern Washington, diversifying and strengthening our local economies.

Gov. Gregoire said that while bio-diesel now only contributes a couple of million gallons per year to a billion gallon Washington diesel market, Washington State is helping the industry develop by investing in research institutions and by forming partnerships like the Bio-products, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, a joint venture between Washington State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

�We�re working to increase both the supply and demand, because as the demand grows, private investment will follow. Washington companies are already investing in refineries and infrastructure in preparation for this day,� she said.

The governor said Washington farmers stand to benefit from the bio-fuels industry as a second cash crop. �Most farm equipment which runs on diesel can also run on bio-diesel without modifications. Imagine a farmer whose tractor runs off his own crops or his neighbor�s crops, keeping farm income in the community. The byproducts of bio-fuels also have promise as fumigants, feed and glycerin, providing yet another source of income for the farmer.�

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