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Rep. Jeff Morris, serving the 40th District Serving San Juan, eastern and northwestern Skagit and southwestern Whatcom counties. |
Legislature clears way for greener energy alternatives
Rep. Morris bill grants statewide pre-financing of renewable energy
April 3, 2009
OLYMPIA
– The state Senate on Friday cleared the way for greater investments in
alternative energy, approving the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund
sponsored by Speaker Pro Tem Jeff Morris (D – Mount Vernon) by a vote of
43 to 2.
The Mount Vernon resident and energy-policy expert by trade, Jeff Morris,
worked with energy utilities, energy reps, and lawmakers from around the
state to develop HB
1007
- landmark legislation encouraging growth in small energy projects designed
for residences or small businesses.
Morris was inspired to pursue a statewide sustainable-energy trust fund
after seeing similar successful programs implemented on smaller scales
around the country. Morris believes a statewide program will create
financing efficiencies that will pay off dividends in the long run. “This
proposal removes one of the largest barriers to individuals or businesses
that want to generate their own renewable energy or conserve the energy they
use.”
The sustainable-energy trust fund:
·
Allows property owners to apply to the Housing Finance Commission for energy
efficiency or renewable energy improvements.
·
Directs the Housing Finance Commission to periodically issue Sustainable
Energy Trust bonds to pay for energy efficiency and renewable energy
improvements.
·
Allows property owners up to 10 years to pay back the cost of an energy
efficiency
improvement and 25 years to pay back the cost of a renewable energy
improvement.
·
Establishes a process for reimbursing renewable energy and energy efficiency
installers for the improvements they have made.
·
Establishes an application certification process for property owners who
wish to install an energy efficiency or renewable energy improvement.
“It’s time for us to realize our goal of sustainable, clean energy
independent from foreign sources,” added Morris. “This gets us one step
closer, and will help us build the movement not just from the top, but from
the bottom up as well.”
Morris’ bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for her signature before
officially becoming a new state law.
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Contact: Jeff Morris 360-786-7970
Downloadable photo:
http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/house/members/photos/morris.jpg
