By Bill Peters, Argus Media.
Washington state Senate Republicans want to revise the state's renewable energy standard to encourage utilities to pay for carbon reductions in the transportation sector as part of a larger package of energy legislation.
Their main bill is SB 5735, which would amend the state's renewable energy mandate to allow utilities to comply through investments in non-electricity sector programs that cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Other proposals include tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles and small modular nuclear reactors.
The package exemplifies the Republicans' vision for environmental policies, which is that "we are about carrots, not sticks" or raising taxes, state senator Doug Ericksen (R) said.