Accelerating Clean Energy Economy Growth
The Washington Clean Energy Leadership Council’s 2010 report, Moving Beyond Mandates- How Washington Can Accelerate Job Growth in Transition to a Clean Energy Economy, details the state of renewable energy investment in Washington in comparison to national trends. While some discussion focuses specifically on Washington’s highly fragmented utility sector, many of the case studies, challenges and opportunities discussed in this comprehensive assessment may also be relevant to policy in other states as well.
by NEC Team
CELC_Navigant Final Report_Final.pdf
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The Washington Clean Energy Leadership Council’s 2010 report, Moving Beyond Mandates- How Washington Can Accelerate Job Growth in Transition to a Clean Energy Economy, details the state of renewable energy investment in Washington in comparison to national trends. While some discussion focuses specifically on Washington’s highly fragmented utility sector—over 60 utility companies operate in the state’s electricity market, with approximately three investor-owned utilities serving about half of total electric customer demand—many of the case studies, challenges and opportunities discussed in this comprehensive assessment may also be relevant to policy in other states as well.
For example, some states are taking innovative approaches to renewable energy funding. In 1996 California passed Assembly Bill 1890 in order to restructure state utility requirements and implement a “public benefits charge” for all electric sales of regulated utilities in the state, which provides over $150 million annually for clean energy research, pilot programs, and new technology commercialization.
Similarly, Massachusetts’ Green Communities Act establishes a “system benefits charge” that provides $20 to $25 million annually for clean energy research and commercialization, while Oregon’s Business Energy Tax Credit program encourages clean energy deployment, offers residential tax credits and provides annual research funding through the Oregon Energy Trust.
The WCELC report emphasizes that, while Washington has the benefit of strong energy efficiency, renewable integration, and bioenergy development, to remain competitive, the state must accelerate clean energy-based economic growth. To accomplish this, the Council proposed three key action areas for the Clean Energy Leadership Plan:
1) To Align Clean Energy Policy and Regulation
2) To Accelerate High Profile Clean Energy Development
3) To Create a Focal Point for Clean Energy Economic Development.
These action items, as well as funding sources and expected job growth outcomes, are discussed at length in report. The Council submitted its recommendations and final report to the Governor and the Legislature on Jan. 19, 2011.
