Effects of Wash. clean energy initiative unclear

By Bill Sheets
The Herald

EVERETT, Wash. —When an initiative was proposed six years ago to require large utilities to provide energy from renewable sources, supporters said it would do more than just help the environment.

It would spur investment and create jobs, save ratepayers money through conservation and through cheaper power, which in turn would help the economy.

Opponents said it would cost money and jobs by raising utility rates to cover the cost of new, unproven technology that’s more expensive than the economical hydropower prevalent in the region. That hydropower – with its effect on salmon runs aside – is Earth-friendly in that it doesn’t pollute the air and doesn’t have to be mined.

The initiative was supported primarily by environmental groups and opposed by some business groups and utilities in the state. Voters in November 2006 approved I-937 by roughly 52 percent to 48 percent. Read more.