News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 7, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke promotes renewable energy sources at sustainability summit

SEATTLE - Gov. Gary Locke today addressed agriculture, business, education, environmental and transportation leaders from across Washington to promote and support environmental sustainability.

The governor made his comments today in Seattle at the state's Leadership Summit for a Sustainable Washington.

"The people in this room represent an extraordinary range of experience. You are here today in common cause and with a common interest - to move toward more sustainable practices in how we live, work and raise a family," Locke said. "My hope is that our state's understanding and practice of sustainability will expand because of this meeting."

Noting that natural systems are in an unprecedented decline in Washington, the governor advanced renewable energy sources as an option to help improve the environment.

"State government is committed to supporting the growth of the clean energy industry here in Washington," the governor stated. "And we are committed to supporting the energy technology businesses we will need for clean energy to grow."

The governor noted five ways he is promoting clean energy:


1. Proposing and signing legislation that will provide sales tax exemptions to large-scale renewable energy projects and extending the sales tax exemption to small-scale renewable energy projects

2. Calling on the state's trade director to aggressively promote markets for Washington clean energy products

3. Signing legislation that requires utilities to tell consumers what kind of power they are using and directing utilities to provide alternative energy choices to their customers

4. Continuing the state's commitment to the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance that will transition Washington families and businesses from fossil fuels to energy efficient power. The Alliance's investments to date will bring Washington a $600 million return over 20 years

5. Ensuring that Washington has the skilled workforce to support the clean energy industry by doubling the number of college engineering graduates by 2010
Locke concluded his remarks with a challenge for the conference attendees.

"I encourage you to be bold in your thinking. Tell us how we can create a climate in our state in which businesses that protect and restore the environment will thrive," the governor said. "Tell us how we can ensure that we do not leave an environmental debt for future generations, but instead leave them with a healthy and just future."

"The challenges I have laid out today are far bigger than government alone can meet," Locke concluded. "Working together in partnership, we can create a future worthy of the legacy we have been given."

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