“Manufacturing is key
to the economic viability
of the state of Washington.
The jobs provided by and
the global presence of the
industry will maintain
Washington state’s leadership
in manufacturing.”
— Bill Lampson, President,
Lampson International, Kennewick
70.1 percent of its energy from hydropower (Source: 2011 AWB
Greenbook). This competitive advantage of renewable and
inexpensive power is attractive to businesses looking at locating
in the state and existing businesses that have reached the point
of expansion.
Initiative 937, passed by the voters in 2006, requires utilities
to buy 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by
2020 — and it limits the purchase area to western Montana,
northern Idaho, Oregon or Washington. Furthermore, the
initiative excludes hydropower, even though hydropower
produces 70 percent of our state’s electricity. Changes to I-937
are necessary to keep Washington state businesses competitive
and prevent big increases in power rates. Washington state
manufacturers attending AWB’s regional manufacturing
meetings identified the following key issues concerning power
rates in our state:
• There is currently a credit on some of the power generated
in the state of Washington.
• This credit will expire, but is permanent in other states,
threatening the viability of industry in the state.
• The definition of renewable energy must be modified.
No. 5
washington’s rank in
per capita emissions from
electric power generation
70.1% from
hydropower