WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Morris energy bills get green light in House

The state will cut energy consumption in the short term and aim to increase energy  efficiency down the road under a pair of bills by Rep. Jeff Morris approved in the state House Feb. 12.

 “Smart energy policy means moving ahead with steps that we already know will work, and also planning long-term for a changing resource environment,” said Morris, chair of the House Technology and Economic Development Committee. “The goals in both cases are the same: Maximize efficiency for business and consumers, protect our environment and create jobs for the future.”

House Bill 1017 establishes new efficiency standards for battery chargers and quartz halogen lamps, to take effect over the next  three years. It is estimated the standards will result in savings of electricity enough to power 38,000 homes. It passed on a 57-41 vote.

House Bill 2183 calls for the Legislature’s existing Joint Committee on Energy Supply and Energy Conservation to hold public hearings and come up with recommendations by the end of the year for updated renewable energy and efficiency goals for utilities. The idea is to develop recommendations for beyond 2020, when the current standards under the state Energy Independence Act expire. That will enable utilities to plan more effectively to meet the bill’s objectives of energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, pollution reduction, reasonable rates and jobs creation. It was approved 82-16.

The bills now move to the state Senate.