WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rep. Morris pushes for green-collar job growth

SolarRep. Jeff Morris, D-Mount Vernon, is making good on his promise to promote job growth in renewable energy and clean technology during the 2013 legislative session by extending and refining select tax credits.

“Green-collar industries were one of a few sectors that had over 12 percent growth during the great recession. They provide family-wage jobs for our state’s residents while improving energy efficiency and keeping our environment clean,” said Morris.

Morris introduced legislation – HB 1301 – that would establish a fund to encourage growth in Washington clean energy manufacturing through the renewable energy system tax program. The program helps support energy consumers who meet their on-site electricity demands through renewable energy.

The credits would be awarded through a competitive bidding process, with preferences given to energy systems that are the most cost effective, create the most jobs, and contain Washington-manufactured components.

To ensure accountability, the bill would also establish performance milestones to monitor whether the credits are being leveraged by companies to expand and create new jobs. Their level of success will help determine if they continue to receive the credit.

“It’s not enough to encourage these industries to develop; we have to push them and the utilities that purchase their systems to be as efficient as the technology itself,” said Morris. “Lean is green.”