The Issues
Protect the integrity of Clean Energy Initiative 937
Clean Energy Initiative 937, passed by voters in 2006, requires WA state’s major utilities to increase the amount of new renewable resources to 15% by 2020.
We will once again be tracking any legislative attempts to amend 937 in 2010 and we’ll need your help and full support to ensure that no changes to 937 are made that would stall clean energy and green job development.
Importance of I-937
Washington needs both energy efficiency and new renewable resources to meet future energy needs and avoid construction of polluting power plants. Energy efficiency is the lowest cost resource available and many renewable resources, such as wind power, already are cost-competitive with traditional power sources. Increasing our state’s reliance on clean energy will:
- Stimulate rural economic development
- Create jobs
- Protect against future price shocks due to rising fuel, infrastructure and carbon costs
- Save money for consumers
- Help meet the state’s climate action goals
In 2009, the state legislature considered revisions to I-937, but no changes were enacted. Additional attempts to modify the peoples’ initiative are expected this session. Any legislative changes should adhere to the key principles below and be narrow in scope. At a minimum, the law must be maintained.
To protect I-937 this legislative session, ask your legislators to:
- Preserve voters’ intent to increase development of clean and affordable energy. Washington is relying on the provisions of I-937 to meet the state’s critical climate action targets.
- Not weaken the law before utilities have even had to comply. Most states that have modified their renewable energy standards have strengthened the laws. In 2007 alone, six states increased their renewable energy targets. Oregon recently passed a 25% by 2025 standard and California established a 33% by 2020 standard.
- Ensure any modifications are narrow in scope to maintain the integrity of the law.
- Avoid any unintended consequences. I-937 has many interlinked components. Legislative proposals to change one small element could create unintended ripples throughout the law.
Download the 937 info sheet. <PDF File>
What’s new with 937:
- The Impact reports on the Clean Energy Initiative debate January 30, 2012
Coalition Policy Director Nancy Hirsh is featured in this video segment looking at the current roster of proposed changes to Washington's Clean Energy Initiative. %CODE1%
- Fulfill Our Clean Energy Initiative January 1, 2012
Washington’s Clean Energy Initiative (also know as I-937) was passed by voters in November 2006 and requires the state’s major electric utilities to gradually increase the amount of new renewable resources in their electricity supply to 15% by 2020. Since 2006, The Clean Energy Initiative has generated about $7.5 billion in renewable energy investments in this state, especially in our struggling rural communities, and all-time-record efficiency savings for energy consumers. More investments, more savings and more jobs will come to us as long as we keep the pathway open...
- Report: House committee holds work session on potential changes to Initiative 937 July 28, 2011
Washington state’s House Environment Committee held an interim work session on I-937 on Tuesday, July 26. Chair Dave Upthegrove (D-Des Moines), Ranking Minority Member Shelly Short (R-Addy) and fellow Reps. Larry Crouse (R-Spokane), Steve Tharinger (...
- Washington state Rep. John McCoy honored for protecting I-937 June 22, 2010
Washington State Rep. John McCoy (D-Tulalip) has been honored by the NW Energy Coalition Friday for his successful efforts to maintain the integrity of the state’s voter-approved Clean Energy Initiative, I-937, particularly during the 2009 state legislative session. Coalition policy director Nancy Hirsh (left side of photo) and former Coalition policy associate and lobbyist Carrie Dolwick (right) presented the award to Rep. McCoy during a brief ceremony in the Coalition’s Seattle office June 18.
- Washington: State legislature doesn’t mess with I-937 May 7, 2010
The 2010 Washington state legislative session has finally ended. While results for environmental issues were mixed overall, defenders of the 2006 Clean Energy Initiative 937 were pleased that no changes were made to the law...
Want to keep up to date on the latest 937 developments? Sign up to our email alert list:
