This post was guest authored by Stoel Rives summer associate Nina Neff. Because of the increasing frequency of significant, often multimillion-dollar, environmental claims against businesses and individuals under environmental statutes such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, it is important for any potentially liable entity to fully explore how the costs may be … Continue Reading
We’re very pleased to report on a significant energy siting victory achieved by our client SDS Lumber Co. and its subsidiary, Whistling Ridge Energy LLC, at the Washington Supreme Court yesterday. We believe the decision sets an important precedent for energy facility siting in Washington. The case is Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Inc. and … Continue Reading
Seattle City Light recently issued a request for proposals f(RFP) or up to 150,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy or renewable energy credits per year, starting in 2020. The projects that generate the RECs or energy must qualify as eligible according to Washington State’s renewable portfolio standard. In addition, City Light will require a minimum output guarantee and credit … Continue Reading
The second of two bills that would drastically impact the Washington State Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) was recently introduced in the Washington State Legislature. HB 1890 would cut in half the amount of energy utilities are required to obtain from new renewable resources, and also allow them to offset renewable energy requirements with energy from fresh … Continue Reading
Currently, electric utilities in Washington that serve more than 25,000 customers are required to obtain the following percentages of their electricity from new renewable resources: At least 3% by January 1, 2012 At least 9% by January 1, 2015 At least 15% by January 1, 2020 This has been the case since the passage of … Continue Reading
The Washington State Department of Commerce (formerly the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development or CTED) has announced that it is attempting to revise Washington’s comprehensive energy plan (the “State Energy Strategy”). The State Energy Strategy was last revised in 2003, and it does not serve current energy realities and forecasts. Therefore, the Washington State … Continue Reading
Our Seattle tax attorneys (listed below) have told us about Washington Department of Revenue’s ("DOR") public hearing on May 11 regarding proposed amendments to its rule governing administration of the Renewable Energy System Cost Recovery program. Kim Risenmay at (206) 386-7525 or gkrisenmay@stoel.com Carl Lewis at (206) 386-7688 or cslewis@stoel.com Erin Toland at (206) 386-7563 … Continue Reading
On July 17, 2009, the Puget Sound Regional Council hosted a Regional American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Coordination meeting. At this meeting, there was a presentation on Bond Financing, Loan Guarantees, and Tax Credits plus a discussion on monetizing energy efficiency savings. In case you missed this meeting, I want you to be aware of a couple … Continue Reading
Washington previously received $60.9 million in Recovery Act funding for its State Energy Program (“SEP”). The Washington Legislature later provided $38.5 million to the Washington State Community, Trade and Economic Development (“CTED”) agency to administer a loan and grant program for eligible projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean energy innovation (see … Continue Reading
The Prosperity Partnership, a coalition of over 300 government, business, labor and community organizations from King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in the state of Washington, has developed a beginner’s guide to the Recovery Act entitled: “A Basic Introduction to Energy-Related ARRA Funding Opportunities.” The goal of the guide is to help local (i.e. Washington state) entities identify and … Continue Reading
Late last week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) and the State of Washington signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) to coordinate their review of hydrokinetic energy projects in Washington state waters. The MOU is intended to reduce some of the regulatory barriers associated with siting and permitting such projects, while also ensuring that projects … Continue Reading
