POSSIBLE SENATE FLOOR ACTION
SSB 6656: Implementing a pilot program for energy conservation services.
POSITION: SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT
- This bill, a follow-up to last year’s environmental community priority bill, “Efficency First” (Sen. Kilmer), creates a Western Washington pilot project that allows municipalities to set up revolving loan programs for energy efficiency projects that will create thousands of jobs, and save homeowners and businesses money. The loans are repaid on a utility or property tax bill, using money saved through the upgrades. Up-front financing is the missing link to accomplish widespread energy efficiency upgrades to reduce pollution, create jobs, and save consumers money. That's why over 15 states already have such programs in place.
- Without such programs, Washington is disadvantaged in the competition for federal Department of Energy money to accomplish energy efficiency. The Feds don't want to fund job creation and then have it dry up because a state does not have the infrastructure in place to sustain those jobs going forward. This bill will help Washington better compete for that critical federal funding.
- Please ask for and support Senator Rockefeller's amendment to remove the requirement for a city-wide vote before a loan program can be created. A city-wide vote is expensive and unnecessary since it's an opt-in program. Only those who want to participate will do so.
