Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 8, 2001
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Rep. Erik Poulsen, co-sponsor of HB 1859 and EHB 2247, and Sen. Karen Fraser, sponsor of SB 6107, joined the governor at Millennium Elementary School in Kent for the bill signings.
"I am pleased that most of the energy package that I proposed last fall survived the legislative crucible to become EHB 2247," said Locke. "The bill balances the need to promote energy efficiency with the development of renewable and traditional energy sources."
The legislation contained in EHB 2247 will:
Require energy audits to reduce power consumption in state facilities
Direct utilities to provide alternative energy choices, such as wind and solar, for customers who request it
Grant tax incentives to the aluminum and other industries highly dependent on the Bonneville Power Administration to encourage construction of new natural gas-fired facilities so that they may generate their own power
Allow for tax exemptions to purchase pollution control equipment for gas-fired power plants
Streamline the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council regulatory process for siting and permitting new power plants
Grant a tax credit to energy suppliers in exchange for reducing rates to customers who qualify for low-income assistance
In addition to EHB 2247, Locke also signed into law HB 1859 and SB 6107.
"I'm also pleased the Legislature passed HB 1859, which extends tax exemptions for small solar, wind and fuel cell projects, as I proposed last fall, and SB 6107, which extends for 10 years the current laws regarding geothermal energy development in our state," Locke said.
Locke stressed that, although this legislation will help Washington with the current energy alert, everyone in the state must continue to conserve energy.
The governor also took the opportunity to urge the Bush Administration and the Congress to "provide a federal solution to this energy crisis that threatens so many businesses and jobs in so many states."
Before signing the three bills into law, Locke toured Millennium Elementary School, a state-of-the-art "green prototype" school. The tour, led by Millennium Elementary students, highlighted a number of the school's environmental features that enhance energy efficiencies. These initiatives include a geothermal heating and cooling system, wind turbines and solar panels.
Related Links:
- Enough Energy for Washington
- Energy is Money, Think Before You Spend it
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 8, 2001
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Locke signs bills to enhance Washington's energy resources
KENT - Gov. Gary Locke today signed a trio of energy bills designed to ensure that Washington has affordable, reliable and renewable sources of energy.Rep. Erik Poulsen, co-sponsor of HB 1859 and EHB 2247, and Sen. Karen Fraser, sponsor of SB 6107, joined the governor at Millennium Elementary School in Kent for the bill signings.
"I am pleased that most of the energy package that I proposed last fall survived the legislative crucible to become EHB 2247," said Locke. "The bill balances the need to promote energy efficiency with the development of renewable and traditional energy sources."
The legislation contained in EHB 2247 will:
Require energy audits to reduce power consumption in state facilities
Direct utilities to provide alternative energy choices, such as wind and solar, for customers who request it
Grant tax incentives to the aluminum and other industries highly dependent on the Bonneville Power Administration to encourage construction of new natural gas-fired facilities so that they may generate their own power
Allow for tax exemptions to purchase pollution control equipment for gas-fired power plants
Streamline the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council regulatory process for siting and permitting new power plants
Grant a tax credit to energy suppliers in exchange for reducing rates to customers who qualify for low-income assistance
In addition to EHB 2247, Locke also signed into law HB 1859 and SB 6107.
"I'm also pleased the Legislature passed HB 1859, which extends tax exemptions for small solar, wind and fuel cell projects, as I proposed last fall, and SB 6107, which extends for 10 years the current laws regarding geothermal energy development in our state," Locke said.
Locke stressed that, although this legislation will help Washington with the current energy alert, everyone in the state must continue to conserve energy.
The governor also took the opportunity to urge the Bush Administration and the Congress to "provide a federal solution to this energy crisis that threatens so many businesses and jobs in so many states."
Before signing the three bills into law, Locke toured Millennium Elementary School, a state-of-the-art "green prototype" school. The tour, led by Millennium Elementary students, highlighted a number of the school's environmental features that enhance energy efficiencies. These initiatives include a geothermal heating and cooling system, wind turbines and solar panels.
Related Links:
- Enough Energy for Washington
- Energy is Money, Think Before You Spend it
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