Support a green energy economy in Washington
Two major bills that facilitate growth of the green energy economy in Washington have important votes coming up in the next few weeks.
HB 1048, the improved solar energy industry support bill extending solar tax credits for individuals and communities, passed out of the House Technology and Economic Development Committee with a large bi-partisan majority and because of its fiscal note is scheduled for a public hearing in the Finance Committee on March 10th. If you live in the 2nd, 12th, 16th, 20th, 22nd, 31st, 36th, 40th, 45th, 46th or 49th district, contact your representatives this week to urge voting this bill out of Finance with a “do pass” recommendation. Even if your representative is not a member of Finance, urge them to speak in their caucus in favor of bringing this bill to the House floor for a vote as soon as possible.
HB 1646, the bill promoting an equitable clean energy economy by implementing a carbon tax on greenhouse gas emissions, is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Environment Committee at 1:30 pm on March 14th. Many representatives from the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy – a coalition of faith communities, environmental protection groups, labor organizations, and social justice advocacy groups including many people of color – will be in Olympia on March 14th for support of this bill. If you can participate in that day of advocacy, please plan to use public transit or carpool since a large crowd is expected. Please contact your representatives this week and let them know that you strongly support a carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and urge them to speak in their respective caucuses to bring HB 1646 out of committee for a floor vote this year. If you can share a personal experience with the negative impact of carbon pollution and the need to protect planet earth for future generations, be sure to do so when you contact your legislator.
Email addresses of legislators are in the form: , so for example, Representative Jeff Morris would be . You can also find your district and legislators here.
Thank you for your support,
Quaker Voice Environmental Stewardship & Peace Working Group