Gov. Gregoire addresses alternative transportation, green energy ideas

For Immediate Release: September 4, 2008

REDMOND � Gov. Chris Gregoire today addressed the fifth annual TransTech Conference in Redmond, where she affirmed her belief that Washington has the capability to lead the world in development of new transportation technologies and green energy.

�If you don�t think Washingtonians are clamoring for alternatives to gas-guzzling cars, think again,� Gregoire said. �Gas is too expensive, and people are responding by driving less. Washingtonians want alternatives � more buses, more rail, more hybrid vehicles, and above all, new technology to take us where we need to go.�

Gregoire acknowledged efforts at the state level to promote green energy and new transportation technologies, adding that Washington has new policies and tax incentives to entice companies to locate and do business here. Gregoire also discussed the state�s Climate Change Initiative, which aims to create thousands of green collar jobs, as well as the Western Climate Initiative, a collaborative effort among Washington and 10 states and Canadian provinces to address climate change.

�The Western Climate Initiative will cut greenhouse gas emissions and create a market for fossil fuel alternatives,� Gregoire said. �We�ve been waiting for the federal government to step up, but we won�t wait any longer.�

Gregoire also applauded private companies in Washington already developing new energy technologies, adding that Washington is the third largest generator of wind power in the nation. In highlighting solar energy and bio-fuels, the governor singled out Seattle, which is �carving a name for itself as the research mecca� for growing and using algae as bio-fuel.

The conference was hosted by the Cascadia Center, a non-profit group known for its involvement in transportation issues across the Puget Sound region. The center is looking at ways to reduce reliance on foreign oil, which focuses on the possible development and integration of flex-fuel, plug-in, hybrid-electric vehicles.

# # #