| When it comes to the West Coast energy crisis, everyone can agree on the causes. Demand for electricity has grown while supply has not kept pace. There is not enough water behind Northwest dams because of drought. Rates have skyrocketed because every utility has to buy electricity on the wholesale market, where prices have exploded in large part to the failed California deregulation experiment.
Disagreement arises when it comes to solutions. The Bush Administration’s solution is to drill for oil in wilderness areas and burn it in our neighborhoods, increasing the production of cancer-causing particles and greenhouse gases. Washington State and Congressional Republicans are chomping at the bit to start up outdated and overpriced nuclear reactors.
The Republican agenda for energy is neither conservative, prudent, nor economically sound.
Democrats are looking to develop an energy policy that is quicker,
cheaper, and cleaner. By using 21st Century technologies, we can have an energy policy that does more with less, protects the environment and is great for the economy.
The first step is to tap into cost-effective energy efficiency. Despite Vice President Cheney’s recent comments to the contrary, energy conservation is part of an effective, comprehensive energy policy. This makes logical sense when we see office lights turned on while the sun is shining through the windows. Northwest utilities used to be the national leaders in conservation programs that helped us light, heat and cool our homes and businesses more efficiently. But when the promise of deregulation came along in the mid 1990’s, utilities cut their energy conservation programs by 75 percent. It is estimated by the Northwest Power Planning Council that there is enough cost effective energy conservation in Washington State to power the whole city of Seattle.
Second, we must create policies that foster the use of proven renewable energy technologies. Again, logic prevails: the sun shining on the sidewalk, or the wind blowing through your hair could be captured as energy.
Wind power has come of age, costing 4 to 6 cents per kilowatt (KW) verses 5 to 10 cents per KW for natural gas.
Third, it is important that we accumulate adequate resources to protect low-income families who are hurt the worst from rising electricity rates. Home weatherization and bill assistance programs help families cut down on wasted energy, keep bills affordable, and prevent heat supply from being cut off during hard times. We all win when the system is stable.
These policies are good for the economy. In the mid 1990’s, energy efficiency produced 10,000 jobs in Washington. One of the largest energy efficient businesses in the state is Johnson Controls. Wind energy is also great for rural economies. Farmers can sign long term leases for up to $2,500 a half acre to have a large wind turbine on their property. Wind power creates more jobs per KW than natural gas.
There is a lot at stake in solving our current energy problems. We must choose a path that is economically, and environmentally sound, and protects the health of our citizens. We know what those policies are, all that is needed now is the political will to turn them into policy. | 