Get Out the Vote for Clean Energy

A couple of weeks ago, CUB Online talked about I-937, the Clean Energy Initiative in Washington State. We highlighted one of the key aspects of the measure: a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requiring that 15% of the state’s energy be produced from clean, renewable resources by the year 2020. In addition to that goal, the measure also calls for increasing Washington’s energy efficiency work to ensure that all cost-effective efficiency is captured to lower energy bills overall for both businesses and households.

When people think of clean energy, they think of windmills and solar arrays but, as we talk about a lot here at CUB, “the cheapest energy is the energy you don’t have to produce in the first place.” In fact, there’s a lot of room for more energy efficiency and conservation. “Despite great examples of conservation leadership, some utilities are underperforming,” said Stan Price, executive director of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council, a trade association representing energy efficiency businesses. “Passing I-937 will make sure that Washington maximizes its conservation potential.”

Because I-937 addresses both efficient use of energy plus the clean production of energy, that makes it even more attractive to support. And, as we mentioned last time, a win in Washington will help similar efforts to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy generation here in Oregon.

We have several CUB members and supporters going across the river to help talk to voters by phone in Clark County this weekend on Saturday, November 4th. If you want to join the crew, contact CUB Organizing Director Jeff Bissonnette at 503-516-1636.

And even if you can’t come this weekend, if you have family or friends who are Washington State voters, you can still help out. Either forward this entire e-mail to folks you know in Washington and encourage them to vote Yes on I-937, or cut and paste the message below into a separate e-mail and send it out.

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VOTE YES on I-937! I-937 will ensure that 15% of Washington’s energy comes from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar by 2020. I-937 also ensures that utilities help their customers save money and energy through energy conservation.

Why is passing I-937 so important?

I-937 means clean air. By passing I-937, Washington can choose clean energy to meet our state’s growing demand for energy instead of turning toward polluting fossil fuels like coal.

I-937 means cheaper energy. While the price of fossil fuels keeps going up, renewable energy keeps getting cheaper. Puget Sound Energy is saving $170 million by getting power from two wind farms. And energy conservation will save Washington $44 million a year.

I-937 means doing our part to fight global warming. Passing the Clean Energy Initiative will reduce our emissions of carbon dioxide, the primary cause of global warming.

I-937 is supported by a broad coalition of organizations, including the Washington Public Utility Districts Association, the Sierra Club, the League of Women Voters, the American Lung Association, and the American Cancer Society.

This is our chance to take control of our energy future for our kids and grandkids. I hope you’ll Vote Yes on I-937, and forward this email on to your friends! For more information, visit Yes on 937! Watch the tv ad!

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Even sending this to a few people and encouraging them to pass it on would be a big help. And, as we said a couple of weeks ago, even though CUB does not endorse candidates, we do encourage voters to pay attention to what candidates say about global warming, utility taxes, and other issues that are important to utility consumers. Then, cast your vote accordingly by November 7th.

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