Dive Brief:
- Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued a new executive order Wednesday aimed at ending carbon emissions and growing clean energy in the state.
- Governor Jay Inslee's proposal call for: 1) a cap-and-trade program to reduce carbon emissions; 2) an end to coal-fired generation in the state; 3) investment in new technologies to boost energy efficiency and renewable energy; 4) incentives to improve energy efficiency in households and businesses.
Dive Insight:
The sweeping proposals will require legislative action and funding from the state if they are to be successful, but getting the legislature to approve the changes could be an issue.
State Senator Jim Honeyford indicated lawmakers were skeptical about the impact the proposals would have on the state's economy. "His program to eliminate utilities from using out-of-state coal-fired generation of electricity and replace it with more costly wind and solar power will increase the cost of electricity for homes, factories, businesses and architecture," warned Senator Honeyford. "We have cheap power in Washington and that attracts companies to invest in facilities in our state."
