One critical piece of legislation for the building industry up for vote this week is HB 2853 + SB 6656, “The Energy-Efficiency Financing Act.”This bill creates a mechanism for municipalities to finance and issue bonds that would set up loans to provide affordable up-front financing for energy efficiency projects/upgrades for residential and commercial properties. Loans would be repaid on utility or property tax bills that run with the property.
This bill is expected to spur jobs across the State by enabling widespread energy upgrades to homes and businesses. Energy efficiency will also save consumers money on energy bills, reduce the need for future power plants and reduce climate pollution.
Friday morning, Climate Solutions hosted a legislative briefing to discuss where the bill is in Olympia. Currently there is huge opposition to this bill from both private utilities who fear competition, and large companies like Wal-mart who don’t want to see their own conservation investments sink because of potential rates hikes. In fact, according to the briefing, it is not looking good. This bill is being voted on by 2 committees on THIS Monday 2/1 and Tuesday 2/2. It’s fate for the year depends on passing committee. If this bill does not go through this year then WA State will also miss out on funding from Federal grants because they will have no way to constitutionally distribute the money.
PLEASE call your representatives and tell them to support HB 2853 + SB 6656.
See a full set of talking points at Northwest Energy Coalition.
Thanks to Climate Solutions for the list of representatives and below message:
“All Legislators need to know that business leaders support the Energy Efficiency Financing Act. Starred committee members below are those who particularly need attention from businesses with statewide reach.”
Members of the House Technology, Energy & Communications Committee
McCoy, John (D) Chair (360) 786-7864
Finn, Fred (D) Vice Chair (360) 786-7902
*Crouse, Larry (R) (360) 786-7820
**Haler, Larry (R) (360) 786-7986
Carlyle, Reuven (D) (360) 786-7814
Condotta, Cary (R) (360) 786-7954
***Eddy, Deborah (D) (360) 786-7848
Hasegawa, Bob (D) (360) 786-7862
Hinkle, Bill (R) (360) 786-7808
Hudgins, Zachary (D) (360) 786-7956
Jacks, Jim (D) (360) 786-7924
McCune, Jim (R) (360) 786-7824
*** Morris, Jeff (D) (360) 786-7970
Nealey, Terry (R) (360) 786-7828
Takko, Dean (D) (360) 786-7806
Taylor, David (R) (360) 786-7874
Van De Wege, Kevin (D) (360) 786-7916
Members of the Senate Energy, Water & Environment Committee
Rockefeller, Phil (D) Chair (360) 786-7644
Pridemore, Craig (D) Vice Chair (360) 786-7696
* Honeyford, Jim (R) (360) 786-7684
Delvin, Jerome (R) (360) 786-7614
Fraser, Karen (D) (360) 786-7642
Holmquist, Janéa (R) (360) 786-7624
***Marr, Chris (D) (360) 786-7610
Morton, Bob (R) (360) 786-7612
Oemig, Eric (D) (360) 786-7672
Ranker, Kevin (D) (360) 786-7678
*** Sheldon, Tim (D) (360) 786-7668
The Energy Efficiency Financing Act is the result of a national survey which set out to determine the most successful solutions in promoting jobs, energy efficiency and conservation for the state. The survey found models in 16 other states offering a private form of finance for residential and commercial energy efficient upgrades.
by Eva Otto | eva@infinitiRED.com
