Manufacturing plays a critical role in the U.S. economy and national defense, supporting more than 12 million jobs and $2 trillion in the economy. But, in the last decade, we have lost more than 6 million manufacturing jobs. By investing in advanced manufacturing, we can harness science and engineering technology to make U.S. manufacturing more competitive. Sen. Cantwell highlighted investments that Boeing is making in U.S. advanced manufacturing around the new 777x wing, now manufactured in the state of Washington.
Clean & Prosperous Washington
Newsletter
Senate Deliberates on Carbon Tax Initiative 732
On February 9th, Senators from the Energy, Environment & Telecommunications Committee convened to discuss the revenue-neutral carbon tax: Initiative 732. In attendance were 79 residents who came to provide input: 51 in support, 20 in opposition, and 8 undeclared. I-732 is on track to appear on the November 2016 ballot. It would impose a revenue neutral carbon tax on the state. The tax would begin at $15 per ton in the first year, increasing to $25 per ton in the second year, and then ratcheting up each year thereafter by 3.5% plus inflation (up to a maximum of $100 in 2016 dollars). To offset this new tax, the initiative bundles in some tax cuts — a one percent reduction in the sales tax, a $1,500 tax rebate for low-income working families, and a reduced B&O tax on manufacturing.
Cruise Electric on Washington’s Scenic 440 mile Cascade Loop
The beauty of the Cascades is a magnet for nature lovers, but until recently a lack of charging infrastructure has left the scenic loop out of reach for electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
Carbon Reduction Investments are Smart Strategy for Electric Sector
A bill under consideration in the legislature would credit utilities under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (I-937) for making investments in projects which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Expanding the diversity of qualified projects presents a market opportunity for new technologies to reduce carbon while maintaining competitive energy costs for ratepayers.
Are Washington Lawmakers Jumping the Gun on Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy has been the subject of vigorous debate for decades, punctuated by the emergence of new technologies and unfortunate accidents. This session, Washington legislators took a serious look at further incorporating nuclear into the state’s energy profile.
Data Dive: Washington State Carbon Emissions
Dive into & manipulate this data set illustrating Washington State’s carbon emissions by subsector. See actual changes from 1990-present, and projected emissions through 2050. What sectors & subsectors produce the most carbon pollution? Which carbon sources are going away and which ones are here to stay?
An Opportunity to Strengthen I-937
I-937 has been a landmark success, boosting solar and wind electricity. I’m proud to have been an I-937 supporter. It’s important we make any changes carefully; such as
1. Broadening I-937’s scope to include other responsible ways of reducing carbon.
2. Encouraging market selection via a technology agnostic approach called Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
3. Achieve greater carbon reduction and state economic stimulus than I-937.
4. Solve known problems like how the 1% rule works for no load growth utilities.
WaBA Advances Bipartisan Carbon Reduction Bill
The support of 5735 demonstrates that, whether the motivation is related to climate change, energy security, air quality, growing the economy, or energy efficiency, carbon reduction is a theme that both political parties can embrace. We encourage those concerned about reducing carbon emissions to take a closer look at SB 5735 and to focus their energy on improving it, rather than tearing it down.
Statement on Senate Bill 5735
We encourage those concerned about reducing carbon emissions to take a closer look at SB 5735 and to focus their energy on improving it, rather than tearing it down. Whether the motivation is related to climate change, energy security, air quality, growing the economy, or energy efficiency, carbon reduction is a theme both political parties can embrace
Bills to Advance Electric Vehicles Make Good Economic and Environmental Sense
A charged debate is underway in the Washington State legislature over whether or not to extend the sales tax exemptions for electric and alternative fuel vehicles. If no action is taken this session, the exemption will expire in July of this year. The cost to the state for EV sales tax breaks varies greatly depending on the make and model of the car, whether one buys or leases, and if the buyer has a trade-in. Because most EV drivers are leasing, the sales tax is based on the monthly payment and not the MSRP. The means the opportunity cost of tax exemptions is less than one might think. And yet the benefits to the economy and environment are significant.