Conservationists file initiative to require more renewable sources of

Vancouver Sun
28-Feb-2006

OLYMPIA, Wash. - A coalition of conservationists and clean energy advocates has filed an initiative that would require state utility companies to increase the amount of renewable sources in their electricity supply to 15 per cent by 2020.

Washington would join 20 other states and the District of Columbia that have a so-called renewable portfolio standard; Maine has the highest, at 30 per cent.

Under the initiative, which would also require utilities to invest in energy-conservation programs, utilities with more than 25,000 customers would have to meet 15 per cent of their annual load with resources such as wind power, solar energy or sewage gas.

Supporters say such a move would stabilize rates for electricity customers, offer economic development opportunities for rural communities and add jobs, all while helping lower emissions.

"This initiative will secure Washington's energy future," said Sara Patton, executive director of the NW Energy Coalition, one of several groups that make up Washingtonians for Energy Security. Supporters decided on the initiative after failing to get measures through the Legislature in past years.

Initiative backers need to collect nearly 225,000 signatures in order to make the November ballot.