Resolution regarding Renewable Energy System Tax Incentives and Recycling (HB 1048) by the 34th District Democrats

Passed: February 2017

WHEREAS, in 2006 the State of Washington created the Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Program; and

WHEREAS, these goals have been codified to the Revised Code of Washington at Title 70, Section 235; and

WHEREAS, the best available climate science requires reducing global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide to below 350 parts per million no later than the end of this century in order to avoid catastrophic climate change impacts; and

WHEREAS, solar is a clean and renewable source of carbon-free energy; and

WHEREAS, solar has already created thousands of jobs in Washington, and could expand greatly; and

WHEREAS, distributed solar makes Washington State more energy independent and resilient; and

WHEREAS, the Western Washington University’s Center for Economic & Business Research finds that for every $1 spent on solar through the Cost Recovery Program has spurred $16-$20 in economic activity; and

WHEREAS, solar power keeps our energy dollars in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, the proposed legislation is much more cost-effective than the current policy for Washington to get as much solar power as possible, giving Washington 5x more solar power per dollar; and

WHEREAS, solar power lessens the costs of adapting to climate disruption; and

WHEREAS, the proposed legislation would create a clear and stable solar program for Washington.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The 34^th District Democratic Organization requests all members of the 34th District legislative join Representative Joe Fitzgibbon in supporting HB 1048 and to ask for hearings on the legislation in each house; and

The Executive Board is directed to send a copy of the proposed legislation along with this resolution to each member of the 34^th District legislative delegation; and

The Executive Board is directed to send a copy of this resolution to the King County Democratic Central Committee Legislative Action Committee.