OLYMPIA – Two bills to fund environmentally sustainable projects were heard in the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee today.
Introduced by Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes), Senate Bill 6222 and SB 6223 would give more people access to clean energy.
By creating a Community Solar Incentive Program, SB 6223 would allow more Washington State residents who have lacked the financial means to invest in solar energy the opportunity to do so.
“In areas across Washington, many people don’t have the opportunity or capacity to invest in solar energy and are being left out of the green economy,” said Lovelett. “By creating a buy-in option, we would create opportunities to access sustainable energy.”
SB 6222, meanwhile, would create a public-private partnership that helps to fund high-cost, long-term projects aimed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Referred to as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience (C-PACER) Financing, the program would improve the economic and environmental sustainability of new and existing buildings. Additionally, C-PACER would provide local jurisdictions with a financing tool for various public safety projects, such as seismic upgrades.
Both bills seek to increase the availability of environmentally conscious programs to communities in the face of the worsening climate crisis.
Once they pass out of committee, the bills may be considered on the Senate floor.
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For information: Courtney James, Democratic Caucus Communications, (360)-786-7853
