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Ecology Responds to Clean Air Rule Comments
On July 22nd, 2016 the Washington Business Alliance submitted comments to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding their draft Clean Air Rule. Our comments were created in collaboration with stakeholders guided by the intention of charting a productive course on carbon reduction.Late last week Ecology released its response to all the submitted comments, including those from the Business Alliance. Below, you’ll find Ecology’s responses along with a breif summary of the relevant comment.
How Clean is Washington State’s Electric Grid?
Washington State has the second cleanest electricity grid in the entire country. We rank just behind Vermont in the latest state-by-state comparison of who has the least carbon-intensive electricity supply. Even better, Washington has the nation’s most affordable commercial electricity.
Comment Submission: Clean Air Rule
Following a legislative session where the Washington Business Alliance stood front and center in debates over carbon policy, we continue to collaborate with stakeholders in charting a productive course on this challenging issue for business. In recent months the Business Alliance worked with some of the state’s largest industries and leading scientists to facilitate input for comments regarding the Governor’s Clean Air Rule. Below are the comments that we submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology on July 22nd, 2016.
Composite Recycling Facility Hits New Milestone
Earlier this month a new agreement was announced between the Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTC), the Tennessee-based national composites manufacturing institute, and Peninsula College. The CRTC is a prime model that aligns with PLAN Washington’s strategies to support economic growth in rural communities and innovative environmental solutions. Composite recycling supports workforce development in Washington State and the growth of the advanced manufacturing industry.
Proposed “Timber Innovation Act” Boosts R&D for Tall Wood Buildings
There’s new legislation in both chambers of the U.S. Congress that would boost R&D for tall wood buildings. If passed, the Timber Innovation Act could be a game changer for Washington State’s mass timber industry. The bipartisan legislation would open up new markets and create jobs for rural economies by providing research funding, technical assistance, and lower costs for the construction of tall wood buildings throughout the United States.
Washington State’s Mass Timber Opportunity
Four major challenges facing Washington State might be linked by a common solution: an urban planning revolution towards tall wood buildings.
Washington Industries Highlighted at Congressional Hearing on Advanced Manufacturing
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.
Washington Solar Policy: Impact and Gaps
A 2014 survey by Solar Washington, published by the CleanTech Alliance, states: “Results from the data show that for every dollar of the Washington State solar incentive redirected to PV system owners, the state sees $2.46 injected back into the local economy. Based on data collected reflecting business activity in 2013, $48.2 million would be injected into the economy as a result of the $19.6M that the state will pay out in solar incentives.” In 2013 the production incentives were used to the tune of $2.8 million. Those small businesses and homeowners will receive an estimated $19.6M from their utilities in further incentive payments over the course of the program.
Consumer Appeal, Risks and Choices
In this blog post, I’ll review solar’s unique attributes that are not currently captured in the price of solar, as measured through RECRIP and net metering.