As the new home of WashPIRG's environmental work, Environment Washington can be contacted regarding this news release.
Olympia—Leading economists,
agriculturalists, and energy experts convened in the State Capitol today to
voice their support for significant increases in energy efficiency and renewable
energy in Washington. Speaking at a forum entitled "Energy for Washington’s
Economy" organized by the Washington Public Interest Research Group Foundation
(WashPIRG Foundation), NW Energy Coalition, NW SEED, and the Renewable Northwest
Project, leading energy experts delivered a powerful message to state lawmakers:
Washington’s economy will be stronger and energy supply will be more reliable
if we significantly increase our commitment to energy efficiency and renewable
energy.
"The potential for
renewable energy and energy to boost Washington’s economy is enormous,"
said Robert Pregulman, executive director of the WashPIRG Foundation. "At
a time when legislators are scrambling for ways to bolster the state’s
business climate, this is a no brainer—more renewable energy and energy
efficiency equals more jobs for our state and lower energy bills for consumers
and businesses."
Last summer, the WashPIRG
Foundation released a report that analyzed the potential benefits of renewable
energy and energy efficiency for Washington’s economy. The report showed
that wind energy could generate $371 million in property taxes as compared to
$192 million by natural gas plants. Wind energy could also generate $103 million
in revenue for rural landowners, while natural gas would generate none. Finally,
the report showed that wind energy and energy efficiency could create 2.5 times
as much employment as natural gas plants.
Jim Lazar, a consulting
economist who has worked with the energy industry for two decades, also emphasized
the potential economic disadvantages of over-reliance on gas fired power plants
due to the volatility of natural gas prices and uncertainly of sufficient gas
supplies.
"Energy efficiency
is a win-win-win proposition for this state," said Stan Price, the executive
director of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council. "It provides the lowest
cost utility resource, lowers consumer's operating costs, and creates jobs for
Washington's economy."
The groups who organized
the conference urged legislators to enact policies that will significantly increase
the amount of renewable energy and energy efficiency produced by the state’s
electric utilities.
