Global warming is one of the most important issues of our time.  Regardless of the debate over the current status of the science, we know that we must move from carbon based energy solutions to renewable energy solutions.  We must make this change for environmental and economic reasons – and also for security reasons.

Our quality of life is hurt by oil, due to the environmental damage.  Economically, we need to do this because we are importing so much oil that it impacts our balance of payments and the strength of our currency.  And we need to do this strategically, because to feed our thirst for oil, we are transferring our wealth to many oil producing countries that fund terrorism and work against American interests.

We all have a vision for what the future looks like.  Electric cars will be part of this solution, but the electricity still needs to be produced somewhere.  Washington needs a highly efficient power grid system fueled by nuclear, hydroelectric, clean coal, and natural gas power generation.  These can be supplemented by alternative power sources such as wind, solar and tides.

Although all of the technologies to fulfill that vision are in development, it will be many years before we are able to fully implement it.  Our current energy needs require that we bring all sides together and formulate a series of interim strategies that get us from where we are today to the future.

Solutions

• Washington State and our country need to move from carbon based energy solutions to renewable energy sources.
• The transition to renewable energy in Washington State must improve our competitive position versus other states and countries while not penalizing our working families.
• Washington State should recognize hydroelectric power as an alternative energy source.
• Washington needs to encourage investment in the research and development and prototyping of potential alternative energy solutions, but should not subsidize production.
• Oppose Cap and Trade and Carbon Taxes that put an unfair burden on our working families, penalize Washington as a leader in clean energy production, and reward states that are behind.  Our economy, particular during this period of recovery, cannot support Cap and Trade or Carbon taxes.