Onward Christine Soldier

Washington gov signs groundbreaking renewable-energy legislation

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) has signed into law two bills that some are calling the most progressive renewable-energy legislation in any U.S. state. The measures earned bipartisan support thanks to their focus on creating a renewables market that would generate jobs and boost the state's economy. One bill calls for a credit to be paid to home and business owners for each kilowatt-hour of electricity they generate via solar photovoltaic and wind-power systems, with higher credits paid if the energy systems are manufactured in-state. The second offers tax breaks to renewable-energy businesses that relocate to or already reside in Washington, with increased tax incentives for those that set up shop in economically depressed areas. Gregoire also signed a number of other environmental bills on Friday, including one that adopts California's tough car-emissions standards. Now, if she can just hang onto that governorship ...