Jacks says his plan ‘takes into bigger account big changes in a growing industry’
OLYMPIA –State Rep. Jim Jacks is determined to make sure that all solar technologies have “an equal opportunity to benefit from state incentives for the very important work these companies are undertaking in their 21st century enterprises.”
Jacks is prime-sponsoring a measure in the legislative session this year “that takes into bigger account big changes in a growing industry.
“Our state’s policies for tax incentives must recognize the significant changes to solar technologies in recent years. This bill seeks to provide a level playing field for all solar technologies in receiving state incentives,” he explained.
Jacks is vice chair of the House Technology, Energy & Communications Committee in which his measure already won a key endorsement in the Legislature earlier this year. House Bill 1393 is waiting for further consideration right now in the House Ways & Means Committee.
Solar Stirling converter technologies “hadn’t even come into existence yet when B&O tax-incentive rates were set up in our state for solar manufacturing and the solar energy production incentives allowed under our Renewable Energy Cost-recovery Incentive Program,” he said.
The Evergreen State is positioned very well for growing this technology and creating manufacturing jobs that go along with it.
“This bill will help to strengthen the renewable-energy industry and create green jobs in Washington,” said Jerry Smedes, Ph.D., of Smedes & Associates, who has advocated for the legislation in committee testimony. “It extends the existing incentives to all types of solar technology. This will send a strong message that Washington is serious about encouraging a local solar-energy industry.”
Terms of the Jacks plan direct that businesses engaged in manufacturing Stirling converters would be eligible to receive a B&O tax rate of 0.275 percent. Individuals, businesses, local governments and community solar-power backers that generate electricity from these converters could receive an incentive for each kilowatt-hour produced.
Infinia is a Stirling solar-engine manufacturing company headquartered in Kennewick, Washington, with offices in other states and countries. Infinia has joined in support for the bill the last couple of legislative sessions. The company developed an advanced solar technology as a spin-off from federal research at Hanford.
Smedes pointed out that “being included in the incentives sought in the legislation will allow Infinia to compete on a level playing field with traditional solar technologies. With this bill, they will have a chance to gain a foothold in the regional market, grow their business, and create new jobs in Washington.”
Jacks also serves on the House Capital Budget Committee, the House Higher Education Committee, and the House Environment Committee. Further, he serves in a leadership role as one of the Assistant House of Representatives Majority Whips.
When the Legislature isn’t in session, Jacks works in business development for the engineering, surveying and planning firm of MacKay & Sposito.