Clean Energy Ballot Measure Under Fire

Tuesday night, the state Senate voted to pass a bill that significantly weakens Washington's renewable energy standard. You may recall that in 2006, we worked together to pass I-937 in order to promote investments in new renewable energy such as wind and solar. ESSB 5840, the bill passed by the Senate yesterday in a 27-21 vote, severely undermines this initiative.

Weakening Washington’s renewable energy standard doesn’t make any sense—especially at a time when we are making significant progress with new investments in wind power and when our leaders at the national level are focusing on a new green economy.  Please take a moment to view the roll call for this vote—it tells the story of who voted to weaken I-937 by voting “YEA,” and those who refused to go along with this effort by voting “NAY.”

The bill now moves to the House where a battle is brewing. If this bill passes, our state would be the first to actually roll back renewable energy standards.

While the other Washington looks to spring ahead with innovative efforts to promote new investments in renewable alternatives, there are attempts in our Washington to turn back the clock. Don't let that happen.

Let's stand together and make sure that our legislators represent us, not the special interest utilities and the large consumers of our power. Please take a moment to call your state Representatives at 800-562-6000 and urge them to support I-937 when this bill comes before the House. Once you've made the call, please email shannon@wcvoters.org and let her know how the call went.

We’ll keep you posted on more ways that you can help protect I-937 as this legislative session progresses.

In the meantime, you can read more through the following links:

Opinion piece from Rep. Jay Inslee, Seattle Times

Gray areas linger in green efforts, Seattle Post Intelligencer