Klicker introduces bill to boost renewable energy workforce
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – A new bill has been introduced from Rep. Mark Klicker (R-Walla Walla) that would help increase and train the renewable energy workforce. House Bill 1194 would establish a joint operating agency with the Clean and Renewable Energy Workforce Training Center and the Secure Power from American Resources Center.
“We have a great need to hire, train, and educate a clean-energy workforce big enough to meet the expected levels of clean-energy technologies,” Klicker said. “We are leaning more and more on alternative forms of energy, such as nuclear, wind, and solar; which are needed to achieve a low emissions economy. We are gong to need a capable workforce to match.”
In addition, Klicker’s bill would repeal the sales and use tax exemption that currently exists for machinery and equipment used in generating electricity. It would also establish a state excise tax, and authorize a county excise tax, on solar or wind farms that generate five megawatts or more.
The bill now awaits a vote from the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee.
