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Energy freedom program
passes House
The House passed a program today to invest in renewable energy sources
in the state and move it off of its foreign oil dependence. An energy
freedom program would be established to help the state develop areas
like wind power, solar and biodiesel.
Rep. Bill Grant, D-Walla Walla, is the prime sponsor of the bill and
sees a real opportunity for Washington to move towards energy
independence.
“I think history is being made today with this bill,” Grant said. “We
must make an attempt to gain energy independence from foreign
countries.”
Under the legislation (HB 2939), a state energy freedom program would be
created. The program would consist of an account, to be worth $100
million, for loans and grants, as well as a 13-member board to direct
the account.
"We know this concept is still a work in progress," said
Rep. Maureen Walsh,
R-Walla Walla. "But certainly any incremental step toward energy
independence is an important one."
“People of courage go forward,” Grant said, “they don’t listen to the
naysayers. Bill Gates probably had a few naysayers along the way, too.
He had the courage to do what needed to be done to create his empire. I
believe our farmers can do the same.”
Senate and then governor approval is needed before the energy freedom
program can be created.
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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